Weekly News Volume 27 | No. 44| November 9 - 15, 2013
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Turks and Caicos
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extradition
could be appealed The arrival date of the former Premier, Michael Misick back to the Turks and Caicos Islands is as yet unknown, Governor’s spokesman Neil Smith has announced. PAGE 5
Another amazing Food and Wine Festival PAGE
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Illegal immigration must be tackled before lives are lost PAGE 4
UK will look PAGE 5 at possible changes to loan guarantee terms
November dubbed Tourism Environmental Awareness Month PAGE 7
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 9 - 15, 2013
November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 9 - 15, 2013
Illegal immigration must be tackled before lives are lost
– Minister speaks out at maritime security conference THIS year the number of illegal immigrants reaching the TCI could equate to four per cent of the country’s entire population. That shocking figure was one of many revelations that Minister of Border Control and Labour Ricardo Don-Hue Gardiner made during this week’s maritime security conference. Speaking at the Maritime Security 2013 Caribbean at Beaches TCI, the Minister stressed that something must be done about the problem now before lives are lost. “I would wish that this practice of
people risking their lives on the open ocean in overloaded sloops would stop, but I am not that naïve,” he said. “In fact, with seven weeks remaining in the calendar year, this year’s numbers have already surpassed last year’s figures. “It is only a matter of time before there is a tragic loss of life at sea – a fate that far too many of them have been known to suffer in the past.” This year’s regional conference took place on Tuesday and Wednesday (November 5 and 6) and attendees included security
Police find runaway teen
A TEENAGE girl that ran away from her Five Cays home last week has been found safe and well and is back with her family. Fourteen-year-old Stantavia Tucker Domoa, a second form student at Clement Howell High School in Providenciales, was reported missing on Saturday, October 26. Soon afterwards police and social services asked for assistance from the public to help find her. Stantavia was found on Friday, November 1, at about 9pm by police officers on patrol in Five Cays, Providenciales. A press release from police on Monday (November 4) thanked the public and media for their assistance and stressed that minors should not be harboured in anyone’s home.
Police press officer Audley Astwood added: “It is very important for all parents and guardians to keep current and up to date photos of their loved ones, especially children. “Parents and guardians should know everything they can about their children's activities and their friends (online and offline).” Police and Government social services are conducting further investigations into this matter. Anyone with information can call police on 941-4448 extension 81843 or 81837, or use the untraceable, anonymous Crimestoppers Miami number at 1-800-(TIPS) or 1-800-8477. No names or numbers are requested and only the information provided is passed on to police.
Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com
Minister of Border Control and Labour Ricardo Don-Hue Gardiner
experts, government officials, law enforcement, and solutions providers from around the world. Governor Peter Beckingham was the conference’s opening keynote speaker and used his time to stress to those gathered the need to maintain maritime security in the region. He discussed his experiences with terror attacks and said that the TCI should not be complacent. However it was Gardiner who hit home when he took to the podium to speak of issues directly affecting the country. “We are well aware that one of our greatest assets, that is, our many miles of pristine white sandy beaches, provides the ideal landing place and opportunity for illegal activity, and by extension huge security threats to our country,” he said. “Specifically speaking, those threats are the trafficking of drugs, humans and firearms, the importation of invasive species of both flora and fauna and last but by no means least, the possible acts of violence or even terrorism.” He went on to talk about some of those risks and how the TCI Government attempts to mitigate them. In the Turks and Caicos, the basic definition of maritime security is to know what vessels are within the country’s territorial waters at all times, the Minister explained. The country must ensure that it properly processes each and every vessel and person that comes to shore, and that no vessel reaches TCI’s shores undetected and without scrutiny. “That is what we must strive for if we are to minimise the risk to our visitors and our resident population,” Gardiner said. He went on to explain that the situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands is a bit more complicated or convoluted than in other Caribbean countries as the actual responsibility falls to the United Kingdom, and the Office of the Governor. “The fact remains, though, that regardless of who has ultimate responsibility, that we as a Government must be vigilant and know who and what are coming to our shores, to be prepared, and to act when necessary, to protect our country and our people, and by extension, our Caribbean community.” The country has a fundamental responsibility to do its very best to protect its people and visitors, he said.
He went on to supply figures to support his speech. In 2012, the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed and processed more than 676,000 cruise ship passengers and 254,291 crew members through the Grand Turk Cruise Centre. A total of 268 private yachts docked at the country’s many marinas with a total of 878 visitors, and 328 commercial cargo ships called to port, mostly from the US with 23 coming from the Dominican Republic and nine from Haiti. However among the major maritime security challenges facing Turks and Caicos is illegal landings. They comprise of sloops packed with hundreds of people from other countries, most notably Haiti, carrying migrants that did not go through the proper entry process and aim to “clandestinely” enter the county. In addition to people trafficking, vessels are sometimes found to be carrying contraband, the Minister said. Over time, the more of these events that evade detection, the greater the cumulative negative impact on the environment, social systems, crime rates as well as the economic prosperity and sovereignty of the country. Last year illegal sloops carried more than 900 illegal migrants to TCI. These boats were detected by the country’s radar system and escorted to port where their passengers were detained, processed and subsequently repatriated. “These are significant numbers, especially for a country of our size,” the Minister stressed. He explained that with an estimated population of 35,000, the roughly 900 people that were intercepted and returned last year account for about three per cent of the national population. With 1,120 people intercepted and returned so far this year, and if the trend continues, these figures could very well reach four per cent of the entire country’s population. “The resource in terms of people and funding that must be directed to manage this effort is equally significant,” he pointed out. “While we did detect and safely escort many of these sloops to port for processing, a small number of sloops carrying illegal immigrants landed on our shores undetected, and
this concerns me greatly. “Our system, while good, is not perfect and we must continually seek to improve our detection rate so that we can safeguard our country, our people and our visitors. This will require additional investment.” Among the improvements that need to be made, he said, are the strengthening of radar systems, increasing the number of intercept boats, better training and technology for border control officers, an improved legislative regime that demands mandatory reporting for all vessels with stiffer penalties and an increased number of officers. Gardiner stressed to the audience at the conference that the country must continue to forge partnerships and strengthen relationships with local and regional agencies, as well as the public. He said that there enhancements would make the TCI more secure with regard to trafficking of firearms, drugs or other contraband, and human beings. “I have met with our newly installed Governor and he is well briefed on these issues. “I am confident that we can work together to make the necessary enhancements to better safeguard our residents and visitors.” He finished by saying that as a region, there are many opportunities to share intelligence, best practices and technologies in order to strengthen defences as a whole. “While we in Turks and Caicos have made advances in our security, the threat has grown. “The world has gotten smaller, technology continues to advance, and the criminal element has become more sophisticated. “Our response must be to advance our security as well, to do better, and to do more, by fully utilising the available tools and technology to our advantage. “The safety of our country and the safety of our region demand no less.” Also speaking at the conference were Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar, and Virginia Clerveaux, Director of TCI Disaster Management and Emergencies. Additional speakers came from other Caribbean countries, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Teen charged with burglary A SEVENTEEN-year-old male has been charged with burglary by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF). Police said the teen was arrested after a thorough investigation into an incident which took place at Wheeland,
Providenciales on Friday, September 13. The Five Cays teen is presently in police custody on another charge and has been denied bail, police said. He is scheduled to appear in the Magistrate’s Court at later date.
November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS
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Extradition appeal still a possibility for Michael Misick THE ARRIVAL date of the former Premier, Michael Misick back to the Turks and Caicos Islands is as yet unknown, Governor’s spokesman Neil Smith has announced. As reported previously by this publication and other news entities around the Caribbean, Misick was to have arrived on Thursday (November 7), but according to Smith this is not the case. He said the extradition decision has to be gazetted before any action can be taken to return the former Premier and this has not been done yet. Sources close to the former Premier have stated that efforts were being made to acquire bail from the Special Investigations and Prosecution Team (SIPT) representative in Brazil, but the figure quoted was too high, and as a result these talks fell through. Information also suggested that Misick had foregone his option to appeal the extradition ruling if reasonable bail was offered to him. When asked about this, Smith
Former Premier Michael Misick
said that Misick is weighing his legal options. He stated that reports that Misick will not fight his extradition and will return voluntarily to the territory are not completely true as it appears that he does not want to return. He added that the SIPT is talking to police and other authorities in the Turks and Caicos Islands about the security concerns relating to Misick’s arrival. “We understand this is in the public interest; we will provide
PAC questions write off request THE ACCOUNTANT General has been instructed to furnish the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) with information regarding the staff accounts that the Government wants written off. The instruction was given two weeks ago when the committee met. The accounts amount to $2,573,918.29, which were asked to be written off along with impaired bank balances to the tune of $2,476,900.07. Reconciliations of the staff accounts, which were to have taken some six months to finish, have been completed, the PAC was told during that meeting. The AG was also asked to provide the committee with signatures as well as other information regarding the bank balances at the Belize bank. Last October 7, Minister of Finance, Washington Misick withdrew a resolution from the House of Assembly to have the monies written off. At the time he stated that the decision to withdraw was in the interest of clarity, as he wanted to provide more information to the Assembly. Misick’s withdrawal came after vociferous objections by the Opposition. Led by Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, the
opposition members stated that they needed adequate information in order to make an informed decision to write off the monies. Cartwright Robinson has maintained that the Auditor General has to first be satisfied that the money is irrecoverable. “This information should be forthcoming; further work has to be done so quite frankly the Opposition was correct in its position. “We are finding that there is something to be uncovered and our stance was strong and I made sure and enforced it while in the PAC,” the Opposition Leader told this publication recently. She added that further investigations are being carried out. The resolution was first taken to the House on September 19 at which time the Minister advised the Assembly that no one or party was at fault for the losses. He blamed the current situation on faulty accounting. At the time several questions were raised as to where the information to support a write off was. Cartwright Robinson told the Assembly that it is the Audit Department which has to make recommendation through the Public Accounts Committee to write off the money and that this was not done. (DI)
what information we can, when we can, but because of the security and various other things it will probably only be a few hours’ notice before he arrives.” When asked, Smith said that Misick will more than likely be taken straight to Grand Turk. “The first thing that has to happen to him, because of the Red Notice (international wanted notice) and other things, he has to immediately
appear in front of a magistrate to be properly charged,” Smith said. He added that the Brazilian authorities will first hand the former Premier into the custody of Interpol, and they will then transport him to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Should the former Premier appeal the Brazilian court’s ruling, that hearing will not be heard in 2013, legal minds in the TCI have stated. Misick was, and continues to be,
detained in a Brazilian jail. The extradition ruling was handed down by the Brazilian Supreme Court last Tuesday, October 29. He was first arrested on December 7, 2012 by Brazilian police acting on an international arrest warrant. Misick was released, and later rearrested by Brazilian authorities on April 13 this year in Sao Paulo, on the authority of a Brazilian Supreme Court judgment. (DI)
UK will look at possible changes to $260m loan guarantee terms THE BRITISH government is willing to discuss changes to the terms of its $260 million loan guarantee, according to Governor Peter Beckingham. He told members of Providenciales Chamber of Commerce that the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) will consider serious proposals. “They would be perfectly willing to talk about something along those lines if it was a sustainable proposition,” he said to a packed conference room at Beaches resort on Monday evening. Following a short speech in which he spoke of his work experience and initial impressions of the country, Beckingham was confronted with a question about the loan guarantee. Chamber member Keith Burant from Meridian Trust told the Governor: “One of the problems on the island is the amount of tax dollars that are flowing back on the loan guarantee.” He asked: “Do you believe that DFID or the FCO [Foreign and Commonwealth Office] is looking at reducing that dollar amount so that some of those tax dollars could go into the local economy and be spent on such things as relieving the crowding at Clement Howell by building another high school which is desperately needed here?” Governor Peter Beckingham initially said no changes could be made to the terms of the loan guarantee which will end in 2016. “I fear that the answer I’m going to give isn’t the one you want,” he said. “The message I was given very clearly from DFID before I came out is that that 2016 deadline is a real deadline and they don’t intend
Governor Peter Beckingham
to change their position on it. “I think the only thing I would add to that is that obviously were the TCI Government to go to DFID with a serious proposal which had been underwritten by commercial banks or others I’m sure they would look at it. “But at the moment the position is very clear in the eyes of Alan Duncan. “His message was very clear that it was agreed that 2016 would be the date for a renewal and a launch of new loans without a UK guarantee. “In the short term the position remains as it is.” Burant went on to ask: “If the local banks, which are providing the funding, were willing to reconsider some of the British guarantee would DIFD be willing to reduce the amount of loan repayment on the tight schedule they have? “Because right now if that money was recirculated in the country it would provide a lot of employment and the potential for people here to pay not only their food bills but also their mortgages.” The Governor reasserted that there would be nothing to stop the Government going to DIFD with a proposal of that type. “I should say that I had a meeting with the Financial Industries Association and last week I met one
or two senior bankers in TCI who were talking along the lines you’ve mentioned,” he said. “Some of them, I have to say gave me one message that it would be quite possible to put a new set of proposals which could change the dynamics. “Others said to me that no banks would be interested in coming to the aid of TCI before 2016. “I don’t know but I said to the Financial Industries Association that I would be very interested in following up that discussion.” He said it was a discussion that should be conducted with financial experts if there is to be a serious proposition. “But they [DIFD] would be perfectly willing to talk about something along those lines if it was a sustainable proposition.” The UK provided help to the TCI in 2009 by offering a $260 million loan guarantee to keep Government functioning. This British guarantee allowed the TCI to get loans at much lower interest rates than it would have attracted otherwise, saving it millions of dollars each year. The TCI is now required by law to maintain a balanced budget. New public financial management laws require a transparent and accountable annual budget planning round each spring, and financial progress reports must be made public every three months. As the TCI’s public finances continue to improve, any windfalls and payments, such as those received from the criminal and civil recovery programmes, will be used to reduce the territory’s debt by 2016, when the UK guarantee ends and its loans are due to be renegotiated. It is intended that the TCI guarantees its own loans from 2016.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 9 - 15, 2013
A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day
Questions over Shepheard’s resignation LAST week Attorney General Huw Shepheard announced his resignation following weeks of discord with Premier Rufus Ewing who filed a court summons over the execution of his role. The news came just a few months after former Governor Ric Todd extended Shepheard’s term for a further three years and coincided with the visit of Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Director for Overseas Territories, Dr Peter Hayes. Despite the timing the director made it clear that his visit had nothing to do with the AG’s exit and was simply a coincidence. What are your thoughts? Do you think former Governor was right to extend the AG's term despite widespread dissatisfaction? Was he sensible to quit at this point? Do you believe that the UK had a hand in his sudden resignation?
The country will pay
The AG made a smart move that any lawyer would advise. Having the experience of Kurt Da Freites who claims TCI ruined his reputation, he made the right move. He can anticipate a huge pay day. The Premier boycotted the House meeting grandstanding after he met with him the day before in Cabinet. The AG boycotted the House without excuse. The Premier sued and now the AG sues. In all cases, the TCI tax payer pays. If the Premier listened to advice even from within his camp and avoid the public fight, we could’ve been saved maybe millions of dollars considering we pay the AG over $10,000 per month and damages based on that. Childish was the approach, but whilst people celebrate remember a tax will increase to pay for that. This country is and should not be the PNP’s playground. Once again like the legal aid, we are paying for the persons accused of corruption and robbing us blind; we are picking up the PNP bill yet again. The Premier's public grandstanding is costing us in money and I am sure in reputation.
Time to move on
My thoughts are that we have had enough of pointing fingers and accusing each other for this and that. Time to move on: create a real plan for the future, clean up the island and get on with it.
Careful what you wish for
The question is who is the arrogant one? Shepheard or Ewing? The PNP thinks it is entitled to steal the land, furnishings and charge the Government for the use of their illegal headquarters. That
is corruption. We saw the picture of the Premier and his daddy who started out as a PNP smiling like two cats when they took over the Hilly Ewing Building, which does not belong to either of them. One picture is worth a thousand words. They need to be careful what they wish for. Shepheard may be replaced by another Robin Auld or Alex Milne!
Laws needed
The former Governor was very wrong to extend the AG's contract within weeks of his departure especially given the expressed disapproval of performance by both the newly elected Government and the official Opposition, despite the opposition withdrawing their problematic position and complaints against the AG that were expressed in the House of Parliament over and over again. I am of the position that there should be a law to exempt the Governor from extending contracts within six months of the end of his contract for a further three years, because that would be conflict of operating policy for the new Governor especially when there is a problematic working relationship with the present Government. It was obvious and totally clear that the AG had a separate agenda from the elected Government and was operating a one man band with directions from the past Governor, that was an open insult to justice and an imbalance to the hierarchy of the justice department and the branches of Government were then made questionable. Good job on your resignation Mr AG and in the future you need to better align yourself with professional etiquette and best operating procedure to manage any sector.
Everyone’s best interests
Coincidence my foot! Of course the British had a say in the AG’s resignation - he was an utter embarrassment to this country the Crown and the British. What was surprising to me is that it took as long as it did for him and them to see that this relationship between the AG the elected Government and the people of the TCI could not be repaired and it was best interest of this country, the British and the Crown to have him exit. Not to mention what embarrassing issues were going to surface in the Premier v AG case.
No coincidence
Todd was out of line and out of touch. He should never have renewed knowing the contentious nature of relations. Constitutionally the AG is to work with the entire Government. Huw should also face suit for screwing up the general election nomination process which forced us into an avoidable byelection. The UK told him he is screwing up and that he has no place in a post elected Turks and Caicos Government. No coincidence. Hayes was collecting intel and evidence. We should counter with a suit of our own.
Higher authority
Widespread dissatisfaction is not what we sense. Those who have been affected by the joint decisions of Governor Todd and AG Shepheard are not happy. That certainly includes Premier Ewing. Ewing saw his headquarters taken back into the land bank. This was not because of Shepheard’s actions but because of lack of action years ago by Floyd Hall and Piper. Piper granted himself land but forgot to grant his party the valuable land his party’s headquarters sits on. In the last few years Carlos Simons was charged with the responsibility of trying to reach a deal. He failed. Perhaps someone higher up than Hayes asked the AG to resign. With prosecutions on the horizon there must not be any question as to the motives on both sides of the coming cases.
Backing out of a mess
I think that the Governor and the AG knew that they were doing things that were unconstitutional. Like Tauwhare, his resignation is his way of backing out of the mess that he has made in our country. He is abandoning the ship that he was captain of to leave all on board to fend for themselves.
Nothing is coincidental
I do not believe for a second that Hayes did not give him his walking papers. Nothing is coincidental in the way the Brits are doing things here.
Unfortunately, we will never know about the FCO’s inner workings. I don’t think they really understand them, themselves.
Not viable or acceptable
It is in utter bad faith for a deeply resented and disliked Governor Ric Todd to foist on to the people of the Turks and Caicos the Attorney General Huw Shepheard. Even the right of constitutional entitlement does not negate common sense and common decency. Common sense should have dictated that Shepheard re-appointed as AG cannot be in the best interest of the TCI. While common decency would have awaited the arrival of the new Governor to assess the situation to decide whether or not continuation with Shepheard was at all viable. Clearly, the welcomed resignation tells us all that the re-appointment was not viable. We know that the PDM leader publicly voiced expressions of concern, and we know that the PNP leader voiced similar expressions. And with the leader’s law suit against the AG, could there be any reasonable doubt that never was Shepherd viable or acceptable in that position?
A cover-up
The Attorney General (AG) was fired. Who can hold such a high level position in Government, being the AG and defacto Minister of Crown Lands and could resign with immediate effect and less than one weeks’ notice? Who thinks this makes sense? Anyone holding such a position would normally give one months’ notice. But with the visit of Dr Peter Hayes, we are told, advised, rumoured, it is alleged that the goodly Dr Hayes travelled with the resignation letter from the UK and handed it to the AG. We can call it a lynching or cover-up. This resolved a serious and deepening constitutional crisis and ought to establish who is the Government of the TCI - Governor, AG or the duly elected cabinet of Ministers?
All about Misick
AG Huw and Governor Todd are too deep and involved in the Mike Misick affair. Now that Misick is back on his way home the UK wants a pair of fresh and clean hands to slap Misick’s tail with. You must remember that the UK has to get this Misick trial right, or it will be hell to pay from the rest of the world. It’s is a clear the decks move - for Misick walking the plank is coming up.
Become a contributor Want to become a contributor or have a suggestion for a Talk Back topic for us? What questions do you think we should be putting to the public? And what are your thoughts on it? Call our news team on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com
November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Illegal immigrants escape from detention centre – A new facility is in the pipeline, says Border Control Minister FOUR migrants from Haiti who were being held in the detention centre for illegally entering the country have escaped. The Ministry of Border Control and Labour confirmed this week that the incident took place sometime between Monday (November 4) and Tuesday (November 5). Ricardo Don-Hue Gardiner, Minister of Border Control and Labour, told the Weekly News that he was unable to comment on specifics as the matter is presently under investigation by police. “I therefore reserve comments until after their review is completed,” he said. “I can say, however, that in
the short term, preventative methods will include structural improvements to the facility, which are now in the early stages, as well as alternative methods of managing the facility.” He added that in the medium term, the Government intends to construct a new purpose built facility. Under section 70 of the Immigration Ordinance any person who knowingly harbours someone in contravention of the ordinance is committing an offence. They are liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000 or to imprisonment for a period of two years or both.
Assembly to confirm Constitutional Consultative Committee FATHER Bernard Been of St Monica’s Anglican Church has been appointed as the seventh member of the Constitutional Consultative Committee. The committee members are tasked with reviewing the various aspects of the 2011 Constitution that are considered unsatisfactory. They will work along with community leaders and others, after which public consultations will commence. The Government has appointed Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Akierra Missick; Minister of Labour and Border Control, Don-Hue Gardiner, and Queen’s Counsel Carlos Simons.
The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) has selected Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Ashwood Forbes and Deputy Leader, Sean Astwood. Both sides were tasked with selecting the seventh member. According to reports reaching this publication, member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Zhavago Jolly was also put forward as the seventh choice. However, Father Been, one of the Government’s pick was selected in the end. The members will be presented to the House of Assembly for official appointment when it next meets. (DI)
Man attacked and robbed in Five Cays A GANG of thieves assaulted and robbed a man in Five Cays on Wednesday evening (November 6). At about 8pm the victim was leapt upon by several men who attacked him with rocks and bottles. One of the men stole a gold chain from around his neck before making off in his white Toyota Corolla car. Police later recovered the vehicle in Five Cays and a forensic team gathered evidence from it. The victim was treated at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for non-life
threatening injuries and released. He was unable to provide police with a description of his attackers. Police are conducting further investigations into this report. Anyone with information on this incident can call 911 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www. crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crimestoppers Turks and Caicos.
NEWS
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November dubbed Tourism Environmental Awareness Month EFFORTS have been made to educate the Turks and Caicos Islands population about the importance of the environment to economic sustainability. The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board has simultaneously joined the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) in its designation of November as Caribbean Tourism Month. The board along with Acting Premier, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Akeirra Missick, the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), the Environmental Health Department and the Department of Environmental and Maritime Affairs (DEMA), hosted a press conference on Monday (November 4) to officially launch the event. They announced that Tourism Environmental Awareness Month (TEAM) will be held under the resounding message: ‘Tourism is key - Clean is cool’. TEAM is aimed at creating tourism and environmental awareness among the population to positively improve the Turks and Caicos Islands for the pleasure and livelihood of its citizens, a press release stated on Monday. It added that it will promote the delight and comfort of TCI’s many visitors, and educate the country’s people on the importance of tourism to the island and the region. At the press conference Akeirra Missick brought remarks on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Premier Rufus Ewing commending the Tourist Board for embarking on such a campaign.
“We all have a role to play in developing our country as a primal tourism destination,” she said. “The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is actively working to improve the destination, our tourism product and the overall experience for our visitors while they are on island. “These Islands are indeed ‘Beautiful by Nature,’ but it is up to every one of us to ensure that the environment is protected and remains clean.” Director of Tourism Ralph Higgs stressed that economic health and stability depends heavily on environmental health. “The Caribbean is the most desirable, year-round warm weather destination and coincidentally it is the most tourism dependent economy in the world with some of the most fragile ecosystems – the Turks and Caicos is no exception.” Higgs said they continually receive numerous accolades for the TCI’s beaches and dive sites and the country is touted as one of the top islands to visit, live in or retire to in the Caribbean. However, in order for the TCI to continue to receive such accolades residents must take the message throughout the Islands that ‘Clean is cool,’ he said. “We must remember the importance of tourism to our economy, we must be proactive, and we must continue to educate our people about the benefits of environmental sustainability to the Turks and Caicos.” A number of education and
interactive activities to encourage sustainable practices have been scheduled to celebrate the month. They include a visit to the schools on the island of Providenciales on Monday (November 11) to teach them about migratory birds, mangrove planting, cleaning of the flats and stakeholders workshop hosted by CTO representatives. Next Wednesday (November 13) the Tourist Board will visit schools in South Caicos and on Monday, November 18, representatives from the Tourist Board will visit schools on Providenciales and the other family islands. There will be a Youth Congress competition and the TCI Community College will have an open house which will feature culinary skills presentation. On Monday, November 25, the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association will host a TCI Shine Clean Up campaign and a clean-up of Long Bay beach. Visually stunning billboards featuring ‘Henry the Conch’ have been placed on roadways and in communities throughout the Islands highlighting the theme ‘Clean is cool’. A new jingle complementing the theme was aired Monday (November 4) on a variety of radio stations countrywide. And an upbeat public service announcement featuring current Junior Minister of Tourism Willandra Elliot aired on PTV8 and WIV networks, emphasising the message that everyone must play their part in keeping the Islands pristine.
Accounting firm opens in Providenciales TWO experienced businessmen have joined forces to launch a new company in Grace Bay, Providenciales. Drexwell Seymour of TCI Financial Solutions and Philip Galanis of HLB Galanis and Co from the Bahamas have opened Helping Local Business (HLB) TCI Ltd at the Regent Village. HLB TCI will provide a number of services including accounting, audit and assurance, business valuation, consulting, corporate finance, corporate restructuring including receiverships and liquidations, forensic accounting and outsourcing. As a member of HLB International, it will be part of the tenth largest worldwide networks of dynamic independent professional accounting firms and business advisors. A press release from the company stated that its motto ‘Local in Touch, Global in Reach’ is indicative its capability to deliver excellent service to local businesses while having the resources to extend services internationally. Seymour was the CEO of Cable and Wireless (TCI) for seven years and also served as the financial controller for seven years. He is a Certified Public
Accountant, becoming the second Turks and Caicos Islands resident to attain that distinction. Seymour is currently serving a second term as the president of the TCI Society of Professional Accountants. He has more than 22 years of experience, having also worked at Price Waterhouse Coopers, KPMG Turks and Caicos and KPMG Canada. Galanis is the former managing partner of Ernst and Young Nassau, Bahamas, and now serves as the managing partner of HLB Galanis and Co. He is a Certified Public Accountant as well as a Chartered
Accountant and a Certified Valuation Analyst. He served as president of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants from 1988 to 1992 and as president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean from 1995 to 1997. Galanis has more than 33 years of experience in serving audit and consulting clients across a wide range of industries. Both Seymour and Galanis are very excited about this new venture in TCI and look forward to serving clients locally in TCI, the release stated.
Man charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm TWENTY-seven-year-old Tyrone Williams of Grand Turk has been charged with grievously harming another person last week Tuesday (October 29). Police said that they arrested the Saunders Pond man following a reported incident at the same location.
Williams appeared in the Grand Turk Magistrate’s court on Friday (November 1), where he was not required to enter a plea. He was subsequently remanded into custody until Friday, December 6, when he will be brought before a judge in the Supreme Court for a sufficiency hearing.
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Diversifying the economy through manufacturing MANUFACTURING may soon become a leading industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands if a Government policy to promote development of the sector is implemented. Government officials and some of the country’s current manufacturers met up recently to discuss a way forward. During the meeting on October 31 at the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies conference room in Providenciales the two groups exchanged views on how their partnership could be deepened. A major topic of discussion was the development of a manufacturing policy to guide and promote the development of the sector. Premier Rufus Ewing who was in attendance explained: “The manufacturing policy will not only form the basis for the establishment of a manufacturing industry to diversify the economy in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but it will also form the framework that will allow us to eventually meet our long term goal of becoming a formidable industry as we aim to raise the regional competitiveness of the country.” He stressed that the development of a manufacturing industry would not only have an immediate positive
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impact on the economy in the provision of jobs. “There would be more security in the availability and provisioning of food for the country and it will strengthen one of our weaker revenue streams, that is, revenue from exports,” he added. “A successfully implemented and managed manufacturing policy will ensure that the dynamics of our economic activity would eventually shift from being consumer and importer based to that of a producer and exporter.” Among those in attendance at the meeting were members of the food and beverage sector and steelframing manufacturers. Government officials included the Commissioner of Labour, Customs Concession Officer, Director of Environmental Health, and Director of Investment. They highlighted current and potential policies and legislations which should be considered in developing a manufacturing policy. They talked about forging a long term partnership to promote the development and growth of local manufacturing companies. This would allow them to effectively compete with imported goods in terms of quality and quantity, and eventually export products throughout the region and
further afield. The meeting was held against the backdrop of efforts by the Turks and Caicos Government to attract inward investment, seriously look at the issue of food security and to ensure that local collaborate with the Government to confront challenges and take advantage of the opportunities. During the meeting, industry stakeholders placed strong emphasis on some common priority areas, for which policy guidelines are required. They included the need to create a policy environment that will allow them to strengthen their productive and competitive capacity. The discussions underscored the need for local manufacturers to formalise themselves as a unified legal body, possibly in the formation of a manufacturer’s association as a tool for further and continued dialogue with TCIG. The meeting also emphasised the importance of support in the areas of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures - a need for clear and concise manufacturing standards. Participants also placed particular emphasis on the dumping of inferior and expired shelf-life products into these TCI by exporters from the US, Latin America and other regional countries.
College student reps sworn in A TEAM of students committed to making college life better and more productive for their peers were sworn in as official representatives this week. The new members of the Student Guild were announced at the Grand Turk campus of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) on Monday (November 4). Making up the guild’s ninth executive body are president Dixie Smith, vice-president Anya Thomas, secretary Layton Lewis, treasurer Michel’Lee Williams and public relations officer Donté Francis. They were awarded their new roles at a brief ceremony held in the campus’ auditorium. Attending the event were the academic dean Claudia Smith and the registrar Mandi Archbold, other members of faculty and well-wishers. The guild’s leading objectives are to provide a forum for the expression and representation of student ideas and concerns, promote activities that enhance the academic, social, spiritual and recreational life of college students, and to engage in community outreach activities as deemed appropriate to student and college development.
Shelby Francis, a first year student in the General Studies Humanities Department and 2013 National CXC Awardee, reminded the team that they were elected to enhance the TCICC experience. President Smith replied: “This executive body is here for your every need; we will listen to your issues and concerns and ensure that they get the attention of administration. “We want to make a difference and make the TCICC the institution of choice.” She stated that every member enjoys working with others and looks forward to helping the students of the TCICC achieve their goals. Collectively, the members of the executive body pledged to fulfil their duties to the best of their abilities. They will begin focusing on health, anger management, and recreational programmes immediately; with a commitment to leaving an inspirational and indelible mark on the college. TCICC was established in September 1994 and exists to provide quality education for all sectors of the Turks and Caicos Islands community.
Fundraising boost for Community College RAISING cash to provide education for the country’s children is the primary aim of the newly reformed TCICC Foundation. The fundraising arm of Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) was established 10 years ago but experienced a lengthy lull in activity. During a recent press conference at the Providenciales campus the team said the foundation has regrouped and members are ready to get back to work. TCICC is partly funded by government, but requires additional assistance to upgrade its facilities and provide scholarships to young people with limited funds. Foundation member and college president Professor Lee Ingham said: “Everybody knows that the TCI Government is in a state of austerity so we have to do some things if we want to expand their offerings and attract more students.” The college is in need of computers, labs, sporting equipment and infrastructure, he stressed. As a result the foundation is looking at partnering with civic and business communities in a number of fundraising ventures.
“Inch by inch, road by road we are going to do something to help this college grow,” Ingham said. Contribution brochures have been distributed across the country, which allow individuals or companies to choose to contribute to any of four donor categories. College vice president Samuel Forbes stressed that promoting the college is a major objective of the foundation. “I am happy to be a part of the foundation that plays a role in publicising and marketing and making the institution recognised for what it is and what it can be,” he said. Students who are graduating or have graduated from any high school in the country who can demonstrate financial need in order to attend the college are eligible to apply for assistance from the foundation. Chair Claudette Munroe-Clare said: “I know that there are many students who want to come to the Community College but can only look at the doors and windows. “Our mandate is to ensure that a number of students are assisted on getting into the college based on the
TCICC Foundation secretary Karen Whitt, college president Professor Lee Ingham, chair Claudette Munroe-Clare, member Lillian Boyce, treasurer Cecil Arnold, member and college vice president Samuel Forbes
funds that we have.” Applications for each academic year must be received at the college before June 30 and should be addressed to the secretary Karen Whitt. The foundation’s other members are Mrs Lillian Boyce, Cecil Arnold,
John Smith and Deveraux Malcolm. -This Friday (Novermber 8) the group will host its first major fundraiser at the Regent Palms ballroom at 7pm. Tickets are $100 per person and attendees will enjoy dinner and experience an evening filled with
entertainment performances by the Youth Chorale, the Enid Capron Primary School choir and popular artist Julian Garland. Anyone needing further information can call the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College on 946-1163 or 941-3210.
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Kathy Boisvert
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Kathy Boisvert
Autism organisation to hold free workshop THE HOPE Foundation for autism awareness is hosting a free, teachers, parents and community workshop on Friday and Saturday (November 15 and 16) at the Atrium in Leeward Gates, Providenciales. The event will feature two presenters, Dr Kathy Boisvert and Michael McGinty from the United States who will be educating the public on autism and signs for early detection. This workshop will be geared at highlighting autism characteristics, treatments and options, toilet training and increasing positive sleep habits. Dr Kathy Boisvert, who is an assistant faculty member at the University of Massachusetts, Boston in the United States has taught many courses. Some of them include developmental characteristics of young learners including those with special needs, supporting young children’s social interactions and emotional growth, special education and early childhood visual impairment. In addition to teaching at the university level, Dr Boisvert is an
NEWS
integrated preschool teacher. Michael McGinty has conducted all of the seminars for REACH Bahamas and the Ministry of Education in the Bahamas with topics that range from autism issues in schools and homes, teaching language and independence skills. After five years, he has conducted more than 70 free seminars in both New Providence and Grand Bahama. He has consulted within numerous schools and classrooms to assist in designing the instructional and curriculum focus for kids with autism and other disabilities. During the event attendees will get an opportunity to ask questions as it relates to autism. Other activities are planned by the Hope Foundation during the month of April with April 2 being World Autism Awareness Day and April being World Autism Awareness month. The event is scheduled to run from 9am to 4pm on both days. Additional information can be found by calling the Hope Foundation, Almando Rigby or his wife Maxcia Rigby, on 332-1977 or 332-9817. (DAISY HANDFIELD)
Minister of Education, Akierra Missick, winning team from Wesley Methodist and National HIV and Aids Coordinator Aldora Robinson
Wesley Methodist champions of HIV and Aids high school debate NINE high schools from across the country participated in the 16th annual National HIV and AIDS Inter-High School 2013 Debate Competition on Thursday (November 7). The debate promoted this year’s theme, ‘Getting zero new infections and deaths, changing behaviours, saving lives’ and was held in the Airport Inn’s conference room in Providenciales. After a long day of debating, the judges awarded Wesley Methodist High School as champions with Willandra Elliot from the school being acknowledged as Best Speaker. Christian school, Champions for Christ, took home second place trophy and the British West Indies Collegiate and Turks and Caicos Institute of Professional Studies (TCIPS) tied for third place. Best Speaker and team member from the winning school, Willandra
Elliot, was all smiles after the win and told media that at the end of the day it was healthy competition. She said: “It is an ecstatic feeling, I can’t really describe it. This is my senior year so this is a great way to leave for me.” The aspiring law and political science major said that this was her fifth year in the debate and she has been taking part in debates since primary school. Coach for the team from Wesley Methodist, Joel Charlemagne, explained that during preparation for the event there were a number of odds against them. She said: “We actually began five days before the competition. Yes, it was tough and the students had to endure missing their classes. “A lot of time and effort was invested into this debate and at the end they pulled it off very nicely. “Coming into the competition, to
Celebrate five years with the youth centre AN ELEGANT evening of cocktails, light fare and art this Saturday (November 9) will mark five years since the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre opened its doors to the youths of the TCI. The youth centre, in collaboration with Amanyara Resorts, Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International and Gilley’s Enterprises, is hosting an art show, auction and fundraiser featuring the stunning work of local artists at the Amanyara resorts, a press release from the centre said. Featured pieces will include renowned artists as well as signature designs created by the centre’s young members. For a tax-deductible donation of $150 per person, honoured guests will receive
complimentary champagne and canapés, prize giveaways, a live auction and the opportunity to support the Turks and Caicos Islands only youth centre. Talented jazz musician, Janardo LaPorte, will provide entertainment. “With funding strictly limited to donations received from our generous supporters and those invested in our community, our ability to provide such a gemstone for our youth for five years is a significant accomplishment for the centre,” the centre’s director Roxann Wake-Forbes said in the release. “We offer a diverse range of programmes which are conducted by local volunteers.” Programmes include homework and tutoring
assistance, music, dance and sports, and a wide variety of other educational and recreational activities. “The well-equipped computer lab, basketball and tennis courts support a multi-sector approach to capturing the imagination of young people and engaging them in positive activities,” WakeForbes added. The youth centre is a non-government, nonprofit facility that provides a safe haven for youths between the ages of 12 and 18. To purchase tickets or for further information, readers can contact the director at 331-9602 or Coutney Miller at 431-9517. Complimentary transportation is available upon request.
be honest we were met with a lot of obstacles, the first speaker actually dropped out two days before the competition so I had to bring in someone else. “She was very nervous because she has never debated before and the third speaker, she had an emergency so she had to fly over to the Bahamas so all those things threw me off.” She noted that there were countless practices, but the important thing was that the interest was there and the motivation was there, which produced an end productive of success. Charlemagne said: “I expected them to do well and deliver, but I did not expect them to perform so magnificently.” Three years ago the school placed third, but this is their first win. National HIV and Aids Programme coordinator, Aldora Robinson said that these debates are a positive way to get the students involved in promoting their ‘Getting to zero’ campaign and motto. She said: “The youth is our future, seeing that they had the chance to research, think and develop strategies is great. “It was interesting hearing their suggestions and their strategies because truly some of them can be used within the general framework of the National HIV Prevention Unit.” Last year they focused on discrimination as a study, ‘Knowledge Attitude Behaviours and Practices (KABP)’ showed that there were high levels of discrimination in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Participating schools included Majorie Basden, H J Robinson, Clement Howell, British West Indies Collegiate, TCIPS, Wesley Methodist, Maranatha, Raymond Gardiner, Champions for Christ and Clement Howell.
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Obituary
Oswald Clifford Francis "King Oz"
A patron admires a piece of craft at ARTProvo during a ‘meet the artist’ exhibition
ARTProvo owner, Mary O’Neill and Canadian artist, Liz Zahara stand in front of some of Liz’s paintings
Liz Zahara unveils new art ART lovers in Providenciales on Friday evening (November 1) enjoyed a night of art, wine and hor d’oeuvres when ARTProvo put on another of its ‘meet the artist’ events. Featured artist for the night was Liz Zahara, who unveiled a number of new pieces; typically depicting the tranquility and beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Commenting on her work during the viewing, the Canadian-born artist said she continues to be fascinated and inspired by the beauty, colours and shapes she encounters here in the TCI.
“Everything is just so beautiful; it just captures me and I just have to paint so people can see the same things I see,” Liz enthused. The artist, who said she has been painting since she was very young, visits the TCI at least three times a year. She said that eventually she would love to stay on island, “I am totally in love with it… I come and I never want to go home.” Mary O’Neill, owner of ARTProvo, expressed her commitment to bringing locally made art and other products to the
people of the island. Ever so often, she features an artist in her shop, bringing recognition to their work. She has also committed herself to ensuring visitors can take away a piece of the talent the TCI has to offer. Located in The Regent Village in Grace Bay, ARTProvo is a treat to the senses. Featured on its walls are several amazing pieces of artwork, and spread out throughout the store are numerous remarkable pieces of locally made jewellery, craft products, TCI mementos and other pretty knick knacks. (DI)
Oswald Clifford Francis
ON JULY 26, 1917, Oswald Clifford Francis was born to Nathaniel and Louise Francis (nee Selver). He was their fifth child who would become companion to his younger sister, Eudora, who idolised and imitated his every move; even to getting her hair cut just like his. He attended his Aunt Clara’s kindergarten and later attended the elementary school principaled by Clifford Jones. He was then enrolled in the Secondary School (now H J Robinson High) under the tutelage of Cecil Earl Crawford. His manners and deportment always shone through, along with his love for poetry and respect of peers. This allowed for him to excel in various aspects of his life, especially sports. He was a well-rounded sportsman, who loved the games of cricket and athletics, especially track and field. He was the bugler in the Boys Brigade and in the Brass and Reed Band led by his Uncle Nat Selver. He also played the tuba and bass horn which he later passed on to his grand-nephew Niles. Upon leaving school, Oswald became an apprentice, taking on the trade of carpentry under the watchful eye of the late Arthur (Arti) Lightbourne. He joined the Dutch line the Royal Netherlands Steam Ship Company in 1939 and during his ten year sailing stint, he visited many Dutch and Spanish countries and was fluent in both languages. As God would have it, World War II broke out while he was at sea and being a patriotic person, he immediately enlisted. He returned to Grand Turk in 1949. He worked in the Salt Industry TISCO (Turks Islands Salt Company) for a few years and in the early 1950s he was appointed lighthouse keeper.
Upon leaving the Grand Turk Lighthouse he joined the Customs Department in 1975 and was appointed Harbour Master. He was later stationed around the Islands, Providenciales, South Caicos and North Caicos and then back to Grand Turk. He enjoyed his retirement for a number of years and then joined the world of work again in 2001 at TIMCO. This job he kept until 2011. As the years passed he affectionately became known as King Oz. He was a member of the Free Masons, Good Templers’ Lodge and an honorary member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and was present at all their special services. Oswald was a proud member of the Ex-Servicemen’s Legion and would be in attendance at every Memorial Day Service and Queen’s Birthday Parade. He was honoured to receive the Queens Medal of Honour for his bravery in World War II. Fishing was his favourite past time. He would fish for hours with his sons on East Side Bay, Millicent Point and many other fishing spots. Oswald could also sing. His great tenor voice landed him in the Methodist Church choir, where he became Choir Master for many years. He was a congregational steward and prominent member of his church where he attended both morning and evening services along with his eldest nephew, Leslie. Oswald also loved. After years of courtship, in 1955, he married the late Nurse Mary Gardiner. This union produced two beautiful daughters. He was the proud father of 12 children, three of whom predeceased him. He also adopted three children. On Tuesday, at 2.10am, Oswald sadly succumbed to a chest infection and passed away.
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All geared up for 10th annual Conch Festival PLANS for the 10th annual Turks and Caicos Conch Festival are well underway with a weekend full of activities set to take place in Blue Hills, Providenciales. Every year the popular beachside event attracts tourists and locals alike to celebrate the country’s most famous delicacy, historical icon, and number one export. And this year is expected to be better than ever with even more food, music, traditional games and fireworks, as it marks the 10th anniversary of the festival. The main event will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, November 30, outside the Three Queen’s Bar and Restaurant. DOMINO TOURNAMENT A unique addition to this year’s festival agenda is the National Domino Tournament sponsored by Islandcom Wireless. This year’s ‘Heavy Weight’ championship round takes place on Friday, November 29, outside the Three Queen’s Bar and Restaurant. The winners will formally receive their award during the main festival event. Festival weekend kicks into high gear on Saturday, November 30, at noon outside Three Queens. The hallmark event is the ‘conchetition’, which pits the island’s best chefs against each other in a hotly-contested tasting competition judged by a panel of experts as well as the Blue Hills Conch Festival Association and attendees. This year’s categories include Best Conch Salad, Best Conch Chowder, Best Specialty Conch and Best in Show. More than 25 restaurants are expected to compete for the cash prizes and bragging rights this year. Tasting begins at 12pm and runs until 5pm. In addition to the restaurant competition, again this year a ‘Home Kitchen’ event will take place
simultaneously. Home cooks will have a chance to showcase their culinary skills through the presentation of a favourite conch recipe and will further earn a chance to win a cash prize and more. A separate vote will be held for this category and the general public will decide which recipe is the Best in Show. An entry fee of $25 gives festivalgoers a chance to sample all the dishes entered into competition and cast a vote for Best in Show. Augmenting the alwaysdelectable restaurant competition is the annual Bacardi sponsored Mojito-making contest where the island’s best bartenders display their creative twists on this classic Cuban cocktail. CONCH COMPETITIONS David Bowen, Director of Culture will host special conch competitions such as conch blowing, conch knocking and other conch related activities for the members of the public to ensure that chefs and bartenders are not the only ones with the privilege of showcasing their talent and winning prizes on that day. The biggest prize of all for this year’s festival will be the Rotary Club of Providenciales’ Annual Potof Gold Raffle cash prize of $10,000 drawn at 5.30pm. Tickets are currently on sale from local Rotarians and at Three Queens Bar and Restaurant and will be available for last-minute purchase the day of the event. However, buying tickets early is highly encouraged because only a limited number are available. As always, this year’s festival was planned with the focus of being a family affair. A special kids’ area will be set up from noon until 4pm with traditional island games (such as tug of war, sack race, egg and spoon race), a bouncy castle, face painting and more.
Crimestoppers to host fundraiser
CRIMESTOPPERS’ annual cocktail fundraiser is set for Saturday (November 9) from 7pm at Opus, Ocean Club. The event promises to be an exciting one, with activities including a dance competition, a Texas Hold Em Poker tournament and live and silent auctions. With a ‘Let’s Dance’ theme for the night, organisers urge patrons to come prepared for a fun night of mingling and dancing of course. Pat Riel and his band will provide music and surprise VIPs will judge the dance competition and award great prizes. The evening’s dress code is casually elegant and tickets, which cost $75 per person, include hors
d’oeuvres and two cocktails. Tickets can be purchased by calling 224-5069, 231-3198 or 331-1079 or they will be available at the door. President of Crimestoppers Ian McLeod said that proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to fund rewards for tips that lead to an arrest or charge and other crime prevention activities. Over the years thousands of dollars have been paid out he said, but have not been announced for the reason of keeping to their code of anonymity. Persons are invited to come out and support the cause. Those that cannot attend the event can still show their support by making a donation to Crimestoppers Turks and Caicos
Major sponsors for this year’s festival thus far include Islandcom, Wine Cellar, Villa Del Mar, and the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, with more coming on board every week, plus a host of others lending their support.
Famous delicacy, historical icon and number one export
Henry the Conch will also be on hand to pass out goodies to the kids. Additionally, this year’s festival introduces a Christmas Card Competition, which engages the artistic participation of children ages six to nine. Letters have been sent to local primary schools inviting their students to make submissions. This year’s event features a riveting showcase of the Turks and Caicos’ own world-renowned Maskanoo. Additional entertainment includes performances from Kew Band Links, the Ripsaw Band, Lee and the Force, the Turks and Caicos Brass Band, and the Breezy Beach Dancers. The Wesley Methodist Steel Pan Ensemble will kick-off the day at noon.
FUN RUN To burn off the caloric effects of Friday and Saturday, Wrightfully Fit Fitness Centre is hosting its annual charity run on Sunday morning, December 1. Runners of all levels can enter fun runs of either 5km/3.1 miles or 10km – 6.2miles beginning at 6am. Both races begin and end at Wrightfully Fit near Turtle Cove and wind through the scenic beachfront of Providenciales. Entry fees are $30 for adults, $15 for children under 18 or $50 per family. Participants can sign up in advance at one of the Wrightfully Fit Fitness Centres (located at the Miramar Resort near Turtle Cove Marina or Salt Mills Plaza) or by calling 941-3311 or 941-3300.
CHARITY The Conch Festival is a familyfriendly cultural event with plenty of games and activities for the kids, including kids games on the beach and a showcase of local talent. Equally important is the charitable purpose of the festival and its organising committee. In 2008 the Conch Festival donated part if its proceeds to help the fishermen of South Caicos recover in the aftermath of hurricane Ike, in 2011 over $4,300 was donated to Clement Howell High School for much needed equipment and supplies and the Conch Festival also supplied water for their sports day. Last year a donation from the festival’s proceeds went to Oseta Jolly Primary School in Blue Hills and this year a clean drinking water system will be donated to Oseta Jolly Primary. More information on the Conch Festival can be found at www. conchfestival.com, contact president Dick Bain on 242-4553, secretary Joy MacKenzie on 241-4465 or email tciconchfestival@gmail.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/ tciconchfest.
Youth express themselves through forms of art BY DAISY HANDFIELD YOUNG individuals who are strongly passionate about forms of art collaborated to form a poetry group called Towels of Babel, where they demonstrate their appreciation for spoken word poetry. Volume two of Towels of Babel is scheduled to take place at the Miniature Golf on Sunday (November 10) with special guest performance from BlackOut Crew member Trigga Api. These performances are accompanied by musical acts which cover singing, rapping and playing of instruments. One of the brains behind Towels of Babel, Hezron Henry noted that the event originated from the works of Olivia Graveley, Zelma Hernandez, Richard Thompson and himself that wished to display their art and without a venue for this they decided to create a space in which artists can freely exhibit what they have to offer and provide events where other artists can build on perfecting their art
and in addition show their skills comparable to any international act. Henry explained that the group choose the name The Towers of Babel as they were seeking to incorporate numerous art forms into their events which he says, “As an artist, it is a language within itself.” The group hosted volume 1 on (August 11) which was well attended by those who were familiar with the artists involved, in addition to those who were simply curious. Henry noted that after the event the audience commented on how well produced it was. The showcase included a range of spoken word poetry, singing and rapping, covering numerous topics. In the second volume the group of young individuals are planning on adding graphic artwork and photography to the showcase. “There will only be a limited amount of showcases, hence branding each showcase as a volume and eventually these
volumes will end and will begin anew with a newly titled showcases”, says Henry. In the future when venues become available, the group hope to encompass and incorporate all art forms into the events, including painting and even dancing. The group will also be working on apparel promoting individual artists material such as mix tapes, albums, books, etc., all of which is part of the groups' marketing outline. They already have display on the website with poetry in the blog, and also mix tapes and books for download. The artists will also be available for booking. People interested in getting involved can contact the organizers via the website http:// towersofbabel.weebly.com/ which contains a submission form. Once the need is highlighted by the artist via the form, core members will review their performance piece and assist if needed in bringing out the best in their performance.
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It is that time of year again when we call on all businesses in the Islands to express thanks to their customers for their patronage throughout the year and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year! And we are happy to take this opportunity to thank you for your faithful patronage over the past 31 years and your encouragement in making this newspaper the most trusted and dependable news source in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Thank you for your faithful support as we strive even harder to earn your trust in the years ahead. As you can expect every year this time, a representative will be calling on you to place your ad in our Special XmaS Supplement. We would be happy to accept your own design, or we can prepare one for you for a small fee, or you may choose a pre-designed ad from our special Xmas catalogue at no extra cost. Publication date for our Christmas Special is December 14 and advertising deadline is December 10. We do not want you to miss this special year-end edition, and we look forward to your continued participation. We thank you in advance for your support, as we look forward to seeing you soon. Yours with thanks and warm greetings for the Xmas Season!
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We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.
Why is the TCI in debt to Haiti? Dear Editor, We always enjoyed a relationship with our Caribbean neighbours, Haiti, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Truth be told, all the said nations have developed strong ties and have become embedded with us in every sense throughout the development of our country. Although we take our neighbours as allies, we cannot forget that we are also fierce competitors. Tourism and development are both areas in which Caribbean countries tend to compete against each other and the rest of the world. It’s even more vital for the Caribbean countries that depend on tourism as their main source of revenue and are not able to compete with the rest of the world markets in terms of manufacturing or natural resources. The Turks and Caicos is the fastest growing tourism destination. Through many millions of dollars in marketing, from the Government and the private sector, we have become a premier destination when compared to our neighbours. This is reflected in our tourist arrivals and the large amount of
investors and developers coming to our shores. So I am trying to understand why we, a country that is struggling to survive and make its mark on a global scale, seem to be allowing Haiti to piggyback off our strides? Is it that HMG or the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands feel that if we empower Haiti or share all our resources we will rise together? Are they feeling that Haiti’s future success has to be linked through an association with the Turks and Caicos Islands? So we over extend ourselves, giving away what we don’t have, to what end? I was hoping since the consulate’s office opened, we would have had some help dealing with the illegal immigration, labour and squatting. It appears as if we have empowered our brothers to do as they will. As a matter of fact it looks as if more illegal immigrants have been arriving daily since there is now a legal representative on the ground here. Why has a small country like ours decided to play the big brother role to our neighbours whose resources
grossly out number ours? That includes natural resources, oil reserves, rivers, agriculture, more than $40 billion in gold, copper, mountains and breath-taking beaches. In the last ten years the Turks and Caicos Islands received a meagre £5m from HMG for hurricane Ike relief. In the last ten years Haiti has received more than $4 billion in funding from all over the world - $1.5 billion from the US, €400 million from the EU and $1.3bn from Venezuela which also cancelled Haiti’s $395m debt. Countless investors from all over the world have established businesses there as Haiti is open for business. The Haitian tourism industry generated more than $200 million in 2012 alone. Why then did our Chamber of Commerce made up of our investors, developers and business people, our Governor, Premier and Minister of Immigration, leave our country to seek to develop Haiti, when we needed their attention and resources here so desperately? This is the worst economic situation
the Turks and Caicos Islands have ever been in throughout our history. Shouldn’t we be feverishly working to return our country to the once coined ‘Gem of the Caribbean’? In times of disaster, I agree that everyone needs to pitch in and help their brothers, but let us not forget that once the dust is settled, we are competing for the same prize at the end of the day.
I am praying that God hastens the day when the people of Haiti and the Turks and Caicos will elect a better government that invest in our countries and our people. As it stands everyone is looking out for Haiti, and no one is looking out for us. Euwonka Selver
Long Bay, Providenciales
We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.
Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com
COMMENTARY
The best and worst of times IN HIS historic novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ British author Charles Dickens wrote lines that apply so well to the TCI now and during the last decade. Dickens wrote: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative
By David Tapfer degree of comparison only.” Words so powerful it is difficult to comment on them. However, let’s give it a try. Prior to 2003 the TCI made slow, steady, methodical progress. The type you expected from an organisation of well thinking honest civil servants. Developments were submitted,
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checked out for proper financing, approved or sent away for better backing. The country and income grew slowly, steadily. “Not good enough,” said many and while the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) won an unprecedented third term along came Mike Misick. A by-election was called and now we know it was tainted testimony and a few votes that turned the election over to the Progressive National Party (PNP). Optimism was in the air, it was “the best of times”. However for the half of the population supporting the PDM and for some PNPs it became the worst of times. Money flowed and 1,000 people were added to the government roles. It was the spring of hope... for some. Soon however government
paycheques were late - the beginnings of serious debt. The May 2003 causeway grant obtained by Derek and Sam was sat on, continuing the family islands season of despair. Finally with the 2007 election coming only half the money granted built a dirt bridge. Dirt brought hope. Only months later the causeway was washed away by the rain and high tides of wet little hurricane Hanna. The incredible 2007 election promised that we had everything before us but by 2009 we had nothing before us, only debts and obligations. An inquiry was called to find out why. The hearing room was jammed and we learned it was the winter of despair - despair which has
continued. In 2012 the voters turned out and gave a land slide vote to return to the PDM but like the byelection of 2003 we were stuck with what was left of the PNP. Debt, taxation, obligations and despair continues. Now the originator of the mess will be brought back from his hiding place and we wonder what is before us. Will he sing and implicate others in a plea bargain? If he does will he rationalise this by the same pronouncement as Dickens’ character Sydney Carton. Carton was an alcoholic attorney who at the novel’s end said: “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”
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November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 15
Beaches invites radio stations to promote country and resort said. Public relations (PR) manager for Beaches TCI, Elanor FinfinKrzanowski, said that for four years these DJs have been coming to the TCI as guests of the Sandals Foundation. The only thing the resorts ask of them is to experience their luxury included brand and the TCI for what it is and sell it to the listeners over the airwaves. She said: “This is the fourth one; we try to run it annually. Last year there was a bit of a glitch so we couldn’t bring them down.” The resort saw a total of 20 DJs, 10 who came in from Saturday (November 2) to Wednesday (November 6) and the other 10 who took over that Wednesday and will leave the TCI on Saturday
BY DAISY HANDFIELD SINCE the inception of the Italian Village in Beaches TCI, the resort has been inviting a number of DJs from the United States to promote the country and the resort. The Weekly News caught up with one of the DJs at Beaches TCI on Thursday (November 7). Steve Austin who works for a radio station called WQYD in Tampa, said that this was his first time in the TCI and he was enjoying it so far. “They’ve been very good [staff], everybody is organised and we’ve learned so much on the tour about the Turks and Caicos and Beaches. “And the food is incredible - that has been the best part for me, all the variety and all the restaurants,” he
(November 9). The resort provided 65 prizes so that the DJs could give them out to their listeners during their call in to win promotion. The PR manager said that these are people who already have an established audience back in their home states so they are basically selling the resort and selling the TCI to the listeners over the airwaves. She said: “We’re always looking for an innovative way to market Turks and Caicos. “It’s not so much print and media anymore, but having a reference from somebody you trust, having a reference from a DJ, someone who has experienced it for themselves definitely creates a huge buzz and puts a different element on the brand.
What now? While some may not have agreed with his methods and it can be argued about the sustainability of some of the venues to make that first million, the goal still can hold true today. It is said that after the Bahamas gained independence and nationalised the Bank of Montreal (today known as the Bank of the Bahamas), Sir Lyndon Pindling encouraged the identifying of 100 Bahamians with the potential to be entrepreneurs to which the bank would issue $100,000 in an unsecured loan with which to start a business. Many of the movers and shakers in the Bahamian Society and by extension their families were among that original 100. The point I am driving home is that we must think big, shoot for the moon because if we fall short, we will still land in the stars. Additionally, if the establishment is to take risks they must take them on those that are hard workers and will do them proud. Another fact is that hard work with no access to capital investment makes a great life for one’s children but hard work with access to capital investment creates great business and wealth for a family for generations to come. Take a look around at some of the most successful locally owned and expatriate owned business in the TCI. They have three things in
“With this radio publicity, Beaches is targeting over 167 million listeners from across the continental US which will definitely get the TCI into the homes of many in North
America,” said Finfin-Krzanowski. This radio remote drives traffic to the Beaches website due to the resort’s link being listed on the different radio stations’ websites.
Companies participate in fitness challenge
continued
Dear Editor, The CFO is gone, the Governor is gone, now that the AG has resigned he will soon be gone, and Iron Mike soon to return, so the burning question that remains for the Turks and Caicos Islands is what now? With November 9 quickly approaching, the question to be asked of the TCI Government is with the AG finally doing the honourable thing and resigning his office, what will be their focus? I was pleased to see Cabinet announce the development of a Youth Empowerment Policy to be developed, but we know that that in of itself will take some time and when it’s finished its effects will be felt or realised sometime in the future. So again I ask what now? The fact of the matter is that the people of the TCI need good paying jobs, the opportunity to get good paying jobs, and in few cases the skill set or training to get good paying jobs. The Premier is fond of saying that a part of his vision for the TCI is to create a strong middle class, which I fully agree with. What the Government has to demonstrate through their policy initiatives is exactly how they plan to make that vision become a reality. This must be done, not only in the future, but also in the here and now. Former Premier Misick had been believed to have said that he wanted to see 100 Turks Islanders make their first million dollars.
Animations manager Beaches TCI, Roxann Wake along with Beaches TCI PR manager Elanor Finfin Krzanowski being interviewed by DJ Steve Austin from WQYK Radio in Tampa, Florida
BY DAISY HANDFIELD
common - the owners are hard workers, an opportunity to fill a void existed and they seized the moment, and they had access to capital for investment. A part of the Government’s priority needs to be creating the environment for small businesses to become medium sized to big business because that is where the new growth in the economy will come from. How much more can an IGA contribute to the economy by focusing on policies to make their lives easier? All the result will be is more profits for its shareholders. If the banks need to have their arms twisted to focus on better loan rates or creating a straight forward process with reduced red tape to allow for easier lending, then the Minister of Finance might have to have that talk with them. If the Labour Department needs strengthening to better be able to police the labour market to allow TCIs and PRC holders to get a better shot at good paying jobs, Minister of Immigration, what are you waiting on? While I am again thankful for the principled fight that the Premier took to the AG on behalf of the People of the TCI, it is time to focus singularly on the meat and potato issues that affect the lives of Turks Islanders every day, like jobs, jobs, jobs! Ryan Garland
THE NATIONAL Health Insurance Board (NHIB) held a Corporate Fitness Challenge in commemoration of the company’s fourth anniversary last week. On Saturday (November 2), the National Stadium saw seven companies come together as teams to take part in the day-long event. The overall winners were Beaches Turks and Caicos, coming in first and taking the title of 2013 NHIB Corporate Games champions, TCI hospitals in second and Scotia Bank in third. NHIB, the National Insurance Board (NIB), Provo Water and Fortis were the other establishments that helped make the celebration a success. Public relation’s officer for the hospital, Diana Swann, said: “It was fun filled for the adults and children who attended.” She added that lots of fans came out to cheer on their favourite teams and “every event was exciting”. In the CEO race, NHIB placed first, TCI hospitals came in second and NIB in third. For the potato and spoon, first place was NIB, in second Scotia Bank and in third Provo Water Company. For the tug-of-war TCI hospitals were triumphant in taking first place, Provo Water Company managed to ease behind them in second and Scotia Bank held strongly for third. In the three-legged race, first place went to Beaches, second place to Scotia Bank and third
place to Provo Water Company. In the hula hoop competition Beaches scored another win, TCI hospitals managed to place second and the NHIB placed third. For the sack race, Beaches saw yet another win, Scotia Bank placed second and the National Health Insurance Board placed third. The dominoes tournament was won by the TCI hospitals, Provo Water Company placed second and the National Insurance Board came in third. Beaches took home another win, placing first in the volleyball tournament, second place was TCI hospitals and in third place was Scotiabank. For the 100m female race, Beaches won again, in second Scotia Bank and in third TCI hospitals. For the male segment TCI hospitals took home the win, Scotiabank came in second and National Health Insurance Board in third. For the 200m female, Beaches placed first again, in second was the National Health Insurance Board and in third the TCI hospitals. For the 200m male, Beaches placed in first, Fortis TCI in second and Scotiabank in third and last but not least in the 4 times 100m relay the National Health Insurance Board placed first, Beaches behind them in second and the TCI Hospital strong for third. Swann noted that plans are already in the making for next year’s event.
16 NEWS
November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
After Scotiabank’s managing director Cecil Arnold (right) donated the uniforms, chorale director Addison Stoddard (left) presented him with a thank you card signed by members of the choir
The TCI Youth Chorale and teachers sing for Cecil Arnold
Scotiabank donates new uniforms to TCI Youth Chorale
JUST before their practice session at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre last Monday evening, the TCI Youth Chorale was presented with new uniforms from Scotiabank. Managing director of the bank, Cecil Arnold personally stopped by to make the donation and said that the Scotiabank’s Bright Futures programme was delighted to support such talent and provide the clothing for the children. He revealed that last summer he was in an audience listening to the “most beautiful singing he’d heard in a long time” when a challenge was thrown out for someone to donate
new uniforms to the group. On behalf of Scotiabank he took on that challenge and after some decisions were made on the design and colour, the uniforms are now in the hands of the group members. Director of the chorale Addison Stoddard said the choir really appreciates the donation since they have had their old uniforms since 2007. He said that it will go a long way because they want the kids to look as a unit and feel good about themselves when they go out to sing. Stoddard teaches the group voice
training as well as the theory of music and tries to do various genres of music including classical, gospel, pop, R and B and even a bit of Broadway style. The group was formed in 2007 by Stoddard, Wendy Hayward and Kay Weir. Presently Stoddard and Hayward along with Laverne Arnold, Marilyn Cooper and Linda Samyara all contribute to training and managing the choir. Comprised of children from different backgrounds in Providenciales, the teachers agree that the choir gives the children an
opportunity to learn a variety of singing and vocal skills as well as the chance to learn to function and cooperate as part of a group and also increases their self-esteem. Young people aged from 10 to 18 are invited to join the choir at no charge. Group meetings are every Monday evenings from 6 to 7pm at the Youth Centre. An adult choir is also being formed and they meet after the children at 7pm. Recently the youth chorale sang at the National Cancer Society’s luncheon and will be singing this Friday at the Community College
fundraiser at the Regent Palms. The public can also look forward to some Christmas cheer from the group since they will be singing at several venues around Providenciales during the Christmas season. Hayward, who is a music and piano teacher said that the group performs at public events from time to time and they really love it. She encouraged organisations that would like the chorale to perform at any of their functions to contact the group at celestialmusicstudio@ hotmail.com, 331-7176 or the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre.
Air Turks and Caicos granted documents to carryout flights in USA AVIATION company Air Turks and Caicos has received its official operations specifications documents from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which allow it to operate in the United States. The company has been working on expanding by offering more flights, enabling potential passengers to connect from some of the carrier’s travel islands, and by decreasing their wait in getting to their final destinations. The company can now move forward to launch its flights to the US and their territories. Chairman Lyndon Gardiner
told the Weekly News that this is a proud moment for their team who have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to make this happen. He noted that the company has been working towards the USA certification, and it came right behind their more recent approvals received from Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. He said: “The issuance by the FAA of our formal operations specification document now allows us to move forward with the next level of growth in connecting the Caribbean.”
FAA officials hand over the official operations specifications to Andrew Thomas, Director of Maintenance at the FAA offices in Miramar, South Florida
Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of Air Turks and Caicos, Trevor Sadler added that facilitation of these documents from the US will help them move forward with their launch. He said: “For some time the
simple idea of moving from one island to the next in the western Caribbean has been a challenge, with our new flights set to launch, this now becomes a reality. “No longer will it be necessary to back track to another country, travel
will be easier and provide renewed opportunities for business and leisure travellers alike.” FAA has operations and safety oversight of all USA and foreign certificated airlines operating in the USA. (DAISY HANDFIELD)
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 17
Radio broadcast through cell phones OWNERS of Blackberry smartphones can now listen to the radio on the go thanks to a brand new app. Radio Turks and Caicos (RTC) officially launched the Blackberry app last Friday (November 1) to make the station truly mobile. It offers news, sports, entertainment, weather, classified adverts and an event calendar. The app will also feature RTC Twitter and Facebook posts and a special surprise for the partygoers on Thanksgiving, November 28. Director of RTC Chris Jarrett said: “The Blackberry app will be available for free download for all Blackberry smartphones and works nicely on the Curve, Bold and Z10 to
name a few.” To download the app to a Blackberry phone, users can log onto www.rtc107fm.com and scan the RTC QR code to activate the app. “With more than a billion Blackberry smartphones in the market worldwide, this is first app of its kind in the Turks and Caicos offered by a radio station,” Jarrett said. “This is absolutely the right time to bring an app to the market, as the man on the go wants to be connected to his radio at all times.” The Blackberry app is a part of RTC’s celebration of over 40 years of broadcasting - with more yet to come.
Remembrance Day services this Sunday
ON SUNDAY the country will remember allied, Commonwealth and British personnel who fought for the freedom of their people. There will be a number of events to recognise Remembrance Day on November 10 across the Turks and Caicos Islands. In Grand Turk Governor Peter Beckingham will place a wreath at the war memorial at St Mary’s ProCathedral on Front Street. The service will begin at 9.45pm and immediately afterwards all uniform groups will attend the
ecumenical service at New Testament Church of God. In Providenciales the Remembrance Day service will be held at St Monica’s Anglican Church on Leeward Highway at 3.30pm. Among those laying wreaths at the memorial are Deputy Governor Anya Williams, the TCI ExServices Legion, Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar, the Medical Department TCIG, the Scouts, Guides and Brownies, Soroptimists International and the TCI Red Cross.
First Tri-Sprint Challenge set for Nov 10 EAGER participants and supporters are gearing up for Provo’s first sprint triathlon challenge scheduled to take place at the Bight Children’s Park on Sunday, November 10 at 2:30pm. Athletes competing in the event will be teaming up to swim, cycle and run their way to victory. Challenge Director Keven Bethel said that so far about 14 teams have been registered to compete. Although there is no entry fee, donations from participants and members of the public are welcome since the event is seeking to raise funds for Special Needs Association of Providenciales (SNAP). The race is expected to begin with the participants swimming along a marked course of 0.5 miles in the water at the beach area of the Children’s Park. Next, the partners will cycle in a 6 mile loop from the parking lot of the park, follow a marked course along the Lower Bight
area then return to Children’s Park and repeat the loop a second time. Runners will then come out of the park for a 3.1 mile run around the area and then back to the end point at the park. Route markers will be placed on the day of the race and volunteers will be all along the road to keep the participants on track. On hand to take care of possible accidents will be the fire service, Red Cross and Dr. Bourne. Among those expected to be in attendance are Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Akierra Misick, Minister of Labour and Border Control Don-Hue Gardiner, Director TCI Sports Commission Judith Robinson and Director of SNAP Noreane Lightbourne. All are invited to come out and experience the fun-filled afternoon which will also have light island music and food from Middle Caicos Café.
Volunteers diligently work spaying and neutering the animals
Promoting the reduction of stray animals BY DAISY HANDFIELD THE NEWLY formed Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) has launched a campaign to remove stray and unwanted animals from the streets of the TCI. The committee is a partnership between TCIG’s Department of Agriculture, Potcake Place, the Zero Tolerance Committee and the TCI Hotel and Tourism Association. The campaign aims to promote responsible pet ownership, good relationships among various animal welfare stakeholders and adherence to local animal control ordinances. One of the steps towards this was a free spay and neuter clinic held last week from October 28 to November 1, at the Five Cays Community Centre. During that week roughly 275 dogs and about 10 cats were brought in to be spayed and neutered. All of the animals received microchips and a new collar with a Government issued silver tag on it in case the animal goes missing. They also had flea and tick solution applied on them and were dewormed and vaccinated. Head of the Zero Tolerance Committee in the TCI, Michael Bookalam explained that the clinic was financed by a number of fundraising events that Potcake Place had organised. Sixteen volunteers flew down from the US, from places as far as Alaska and donated a week of their holiday to come and help the TCI community. They also went as far as purchasing their own tickets to fly down to the Islands. Chief Veterinary Officer for the Department of Agriculture, Dr
Owner and founder of Potcake Place, Jane Parker-Rauw, Dr Brennan, volunteer of Potcake Place Laurie McCann, and head of Zero Tolerance Committee in TCI Michael Bookalam
Mark Butler, explained that before the programme started, just in Providenciales they were looking at a figure between 2,500 to 3,000 stray animals. When asked about the turnout and expectations of the clinic, head of Pets without Vets Dr Robin Brennan noted that from her perspective it was an overwhelming success. She said: “Most of the animals have been brought in voluntarily by owners so that tells me that there is an acceptance of spay and neutering in the community. “It has been extremely successful and so has the support and this has been a very positive experience.” Dr Brennan travels to different parts of the world to voluntarily help with the spaying and neutering of stray animals. Minister of Environment Home
Affairs and Agriculture, Amanda Missick, toured the venue and extended gratitude to the Potcake Place for what they were doing in the TCI. She said: “Stray dogs have been a problem facing us for some time now and trapping alone, like Dr Butler said would not solve the problem. “The clinic here has been a great success and the support from the public has been tremendous and this comes with educating the public and encouraging dog owners to be more responsible and therefore we will be able to somehow reduce the population of the stray dogs.” Founder and owner of Potcake Place, Jane Parker- Rauw, said that Potcake Place and TCIG were looking into the possibility of carrying out this initiative at least once a year.
Lifestyle... 18
November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
The Dentist and you Mark Osmond BDS (Lond) LDS RCS (Eng). Mark Osmond Dental Clinic - (649) 432 3777, drmosmond@gmail.com or Find us on Facebook
Dr Mark Osmond
What Causes… Loose Teeth THERE are three main reasons why a tooth may become loose: gum disease, abscess or trauma. In the situation of advanced gum disease - where the gums become swollen, sore and infected - the body’s response is to take the healthy bone away from the area of infection, ie. the area around the gums and
teeth. The result is the destruction of the bone support around the tooth which leads to the tooth becoming loose. Initially the bone loss is at an angle to the root and with treatment there is hope that the bone will heal and the tooth can become firm again. However, if left untreated the
Weekly Recipe
Roasted fresh corn, poblano, and cheddar pizza SERVES: 6
INGREDIENTS
• 2 poblano chillies • Cooking spray • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears) • 1/2 cup chopped green onions • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 cup l% low-fat milk • 2 large egg whites • 1 large egg • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese • 1 (13.8-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough • 2 tablespoons fat-free sour cream • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
DIRECTIONS
• Preheat broiler. • Place poblano chillies on a foil-lined baking sheet; broil 10 minutes or until blackened and charred, turning occasionally.
• Place in a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 10 minutes. Peel and discard skins, seeds, and stems. Chop peppers. • Lower oven temperature to 425°. • Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. • Add corn, green onions, and garlic; sauté two minutes or until lightly browned. • Stir in milk; cook over medium heat two minutes or until liquid almost evaporates. Cool slightly. • Place egg whites, egg, salt, and black pepper in a bowl; stir with a whisk. Stir in poblano peppers, corn mixture, and cheese. • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll dough onto parchment paper; pat dough to form a 13 x 8-inch rectangle. • Spread corn mixture over dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold 1 inch of dough over corn mixture. • Bake at 425° for 12 minutes or until set. Serve with sour cream; sprinkle with cilantro.
bone loss progresses and takes on a more horizontal pattern. It is not possible for bone to grow horizontally up the side of a tooth and so the tooth will remain loose or ultimately fall out. With an abscess, bone loss generally starts at the end of the root but can spread to the side of the tooth. Over time, as the abscess and bone loss spreads, the tooth becomes
loose. If the cause of the abscess is treated and tooth is root filled, the body can start healing the area and bone can slowly reform. If left untreated the bone loss and infection will continue to spread and often be painful until the tooth is lost. Trauma, some type of blow to the teeth, can obviously make teeth become loose. In this case, the dentist first needs to determine whether the tooth is complete and loose in the bone or if the root is broken. In each case the treatment approach is quite different. A tooth with a fractured root is difficult to save and in general will have to be removed. However, a tooth that is loose in the bone can often be successfully splinted; a treatment method which
enables the tooth to be held in place while the bone recovers and the tooth becomes firm again. With a severe trauma, the entire tooth can be completely knocked out. In this case, with prompt treatment and splinting, we can still often be successful in saving the tooth. Another instance in which teeth may seem loose is during orthodontic treatment. In order to move the teeth into the correct position, bone must be reabsorbed and reformed as the tooth moves. Once treatment is complete the teeth should be firm again. Just occasionally, if too much force is applied by the orthodontic wire the root will dissolve (instead of the bone) and a tooth still may be loose after treatment.
Spectrum of Hope
Who’s that lady? PLEASE tell me that the title brought to mind the Isley Brother’s tune from the 70s! If not, then my attempts at cleverness have gotten more and more desperate (side eye glances). Anyway, let’s get to the subject at hand. If you visit Precious Treasures School and stop by the first grade classroom on any given day, you will see a room full of vibrant six-yearolds, simply brimming with youthful vigour and childlike wonder! Okay, maybe not brimming. But it’s pretty evident that since their mommies said they have to go to school today, they are going to milk it for all its worth! Led by a fearless captain that they affectionately call their teacher, a first grade class is a sight to behold. But, if you look over to the far corner, you may see an occasional appearance of a kid that is way oversized. Oh wait, that’s an adult! Clearly she’s not the teacher, because she is rarely in front of the class. But she seems to pop up a lot back there with one kid in particular. And she goes everywhere the kids go…hmmm. Okay, here’s the payoff: that lady is me. And I am a shadow. No, not literally…or even metaphysically for that matter! I am the aide for my son, Josiah, as he works his way through school. What this means is that I am
By Nicole Cox responsible for maintaining the agenda of his Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to ensure that his academic and social goals are being met in the school environment. Wait….what do you mean I didn’t tell you what an IEP is? Wow. Back to the basics. An IEP is a document written by a master degreed professional, perhaps even with Board Certification, that outlines all the deficits of a child with a diagnosis of either a learning or developmental disability. Then it outlines the methods by which those deficits will be addressed and whom (parent, teacher, aide) is responsible for facilitating that method. Dates are set as target goals for each of them and as the child accomplishes each of those goals, the document is revised to add new or amend active goals. The document is then brought to the school administration and agreed upon by the parents and administration. This document can include anything from actual physical
changes to the school infrastructure to adjusting the child’s schedule to accommodate extra (or fewer) class sessions. You can request anything from class seating position to how many questions a child answers in class and when they are asked. The key is, they all have to be supported by the professional as necessary requests toward allowing for the child’s progress. Documents like the IEP are an amazing step forward in this country toward forming the team necessary to advance children with learning or developmental deficits. They are fundamental in ensuring that the child is held as priority in the process. The residual benefit is that teachers that may have been previously unexposed to special education techniques will be able to learn new skills that once generalised, can benefit their entire class. Not to mention the child’s peer group learning relational skills. It’s just all one big ball of educational goodness! So, the IEP is pretty much the Bible by which the aide will preach his or her gospel. We will talk more about the IEP in future discourse, but for now let’s talk about ME! Well, not me, but my role as an aide for a child with autism.
November 9 - 15, 2013
Lifestyle... YOUR DIET
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
ASK TAMIKA
BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD
Tamika graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a Masters degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licensed to practice medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida. Email Tamika via tcweeklynews@gmail.com or tamikahandfield@yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.
Diabetes and teenagers DIABETES has the potential to affect everyone - every age group, every race and every gender. This disease does not discriminate. Therefore, it is important that everyone is educated on how to prevent, control or better manage their condition. This week I want to focus on a group that is sometimes forgotten because they are not children that require a lot of our time, but they are also not adults - teenagers. Even though there has been an alarming increase in the number of teenagers who are affected by type 2 diabetes, teenagers are usually affected by type 1 diabetes. According to statistics from the National Diabetes Education Programme (NDEP), type 1 diabetes affects approximately 215,000 youths under the age of 20. Type 1 diabetes was once called ‘juvenile’ diabetes because it is usually diagnosed in children. In type 1 diabetes, the cells in the pancreas that make insulin are destroyed. There is no reason for the cells being destroyed except for maybe a genetic defect or because of toxins and viruses. The result is the teenager needs insulin from an artificial source such as an insulin shot or pump. Insulin is the hormone that is needed to take the excess sugar from the blood and keep the blood sugar under control. Without it, the blood sugar can get dangerously high. By nature teenagers are free spirited without a care in the world. However, as a teen, you should be taught how to effectively manage and care for your diabetes so that you can live a long, happy and healthy life. Diabetes doesn’t have to cramp your style but you should take some precautions. Make wise food choices. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Learn when to eat and how much to have. Take your time when you eat. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that you are full. So, wait 15 to 20 minutes before eating second helpings. Do not skip meals. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a snack. You will have a ready supply of energy and not get too hungry. Be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes most days, such as taking a brisk walk. Spend less time watching TV or sitting at the computer. Two times a week do activities to strengthen muscles and bone, such as lifting weights or sit-ups. Reach and stay at a healthy weight. Making wise food choices and being active can help you control your weight. Take your medicines as prescribed and keep taking them, even after you’ve reached your targets. If you are a teen with diabetes or know someone with diabetes, please contact me to make an appointment to get personalised nutritional counselling. Nutrition In Demand A non profit organization helping you to: "Eat Healthy Today... Living, Longer, Better Tomorrow" Cell: (649) 242-3978 or (649) 442-3978
GARDENING
How does your garden grow
Artificial grass – The good and the bad side THE MARKET for artificial grass is growing quickly, driven by a combination of better manufacturing techniques combined with an increasing awareness of the longer term environmental and economic benefits. Originally it was limited to large sports clubs but now you are just as likely to see it on your neighbour’s garden. Artificial grass is chosen because it is easy to maintain. It is not necessary to hire gardeners to care for artificial turf. After installing it no other maintenance practice is required for it to appear attractive. Synthetic grass is the only way to go if you are tired of taking care of your lawns frequently. It means that you do not need to spend much time doing all these practices to keep your lawns green. Artificial grass is thought to be very environmentally friendly. No dangerous chemicals are needed to take care of artificial grass. In other words, no herbicides are required to kill the weeds. Pesticides are not required due to the fact that no pests attack these synthetic lawns. Artificial grass is made of materials which are recycled, therefore producing the lawns can contribute to keeping the surroundings clean. Other toxic chemicals like fertilisers are also not important to keep the lawn attractive. Artificial grass does not need fertilisers because it does not grow. Installing artificial grass is a good way to save more water. You must use a lot of water to irrigate vegetation in the TCI. Synthetic lawns are made from
BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR For all your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs, please call or write for a free estimate: 332-3381 or denis@naturesplendor.net
polymers mixed with other compounds such as silicone and rubber to make them last longer. Once you install the artificial turf in your garden it will take a long time before you think of replacing it. Synthetic turf is a great option that will solve your troubles with pets if you have dogs and cats. It’s easy to clean and keep sterile and there will be no muddy paws. This makes it a favourite at dog kennels. For swimming pools it is very useful as ground cover beyond the ‘splash back’ area. No muddy areas to carry dust and dirt into the pool, no ruts from the sun loungers and stays green whatever the weather. If all these solid reasons sound like they make an airtight case for the use of synthetic grass, the following list of disadvantages will help you balance the picture. After all, nothing is really perfect. The upfront cost of installing
POLICE SAFETY TIPS
By Audley Astwood, police public relations officer
Stop violence
SHOW children how to settle arguments or solve problems without using words or actions that hurt others. Set the example by the way you handle everyday conflicts in the family, at work, and in the neighbourhood. Don't forget that common courtesies like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” help ease tensions that can lead to violence. Discourage name-calling and
synthetic grass can be very high, making it financially impractical. There is normally a rubber cushion below the surface to provide softness and bounce, this may require occasional re-filling. Synthetic grass can become unpleasantly hot in summer - the heatabsorbing properties of an artificial field make it too hot to play on in extremely warm weather. For example on a 98 degree day the temperature on the turf could rise to more than 120 degrees. Synthetic grass is not natural grass it cannot offer the special scent of wet earth and grass or the sweet smell of freshly cut grass. You can buy good artificial grass products for your yard online. Many companies market their products online to meet many clients from many places. Please ensure you read the views of these firms so that you make an informed choice.
teasing. These can easily get out of hand, moving all too quickly from just words to fists, knives, and even firearms. Teach children that bullying is wrong and take their fears about bullies seriously. Take a hard look at what you, your family, and your friends watch and listen to for entertainment from action movies and cop shows to video games and music lyrics. How do the characters solve problems? Do they make firearms
and other violence appear exciting, funny, or glamorous? Are the real-life consequences of violence for victims and families clear? Talk about what each of you liked and didn't like. Stick with friends and family who steer clear of violence and drugs. And encourage your children to do the same. Research shows use of alcohol and other drugs is closely linked with violence, including the use of guns and other weapons. Please visit our website at www.tcipolice.tc or www. facebook.com/RTCIPF for more safety tips.
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Entertainment
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Rihanna nabs four American Music Awards nominations IT SEEMS there’s just no stopping Barbadian superstar Rihanna who, having put the disappointment of her postponed homecoming concert behind her, can now look forward to adding a few more trophies to her collection later this month. The six-time Grammy awardwinner is among three artistes with four nominations for the 2013 American Music Awards (AMA) at Los Angeles Nokia Theatre on November 24. In addition to Rihanna, Robin Thicke and Florida Georgia Line picked up four nods each, while Bruno Mars and Imagine Dragons are up for three awards apiece. The top contenders are nevertheless Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. The rap duo earned nominations in an enviable six categories including Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Favourite Rap Artist, Favourite Rap Album, Favourite Pop/Rock Band or Duo and a new category for this year, Single of the Year for “Thrift Shop.” The “Same Love” performers will battle Rihanna, as well as heavyweights Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars for Artist of the Year at the annual fanvoted awards show. Following close behind Macklemore & Lewis in the nominations department are Taylor
Barbados’ pop princess will face off against such heavyweights as Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, and Robin Thicke at the fan-voted show in LA.
Swift and Justin Timberlake, with five nods each. Rihanna will face off with Swift and Pink for Favourite Female Artist-Pop/Rock, while Timberlake, Thicke and Mars are up for Favourite Male Artist-Pop/Rock. Rihanna’s “Unapologetic” is also nominated in the Favourite Album Soul/R&B category. Viewers of the awards telecast could be treated to a twerk or two, with Miley Cyrus scheduled to perform at the ceremony, with
Imagine Dragons also playing. Additional performers and presenters will be announced shortly. The awards are determined by fans, who vote online at AMAvote. com. In addition, for the first time in AMA’s history, fans can also vote for their favourite artists via Twitter. The 2013 American Music Awards will be held Sunday, November 24, at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. ABC will carry the telecast, which is being produced by Dick Clark Productions. (Caribbean 360)
November 9 - 15, 2013
Roots TV mini-series to be remade A REMAKE of the groundbreaking 1970’s miniseries Roots, about several generations of a slave family, is in development by the History channel. The US company confirmed it had acquired the rights after reaching a deal with Mark Wolper, whose father David made the 1977 original. It broke ratings records when it first aired and earned an unprecedented 37 Emmy nominations, winning nine of them. It is hoped the new series will appear on screens some time during 2015. The 1977 series aired over eight consecutive nights on ABC in the US, drawing 100 million viewers for its conclusion, nearly half of the entire country. It was an unlikely hit with a largely black cast but is credited with helping to improve race relationships while blending fact and fiction into a soap opera package. “We would like to revive that cultural icon for a new audience,” History’s Dirk Hoogstra told Deadline.
When it was made in the 70s the miniseries earned an unprecedented 37 Emmy nominations. It won nine of them.
History has also acquired the rights to the book the mini-series was based on, Roots: The Saga Of An American Family, from the estate of author Alex Haley. Writers are expected to draw on both sources from a contemporary perspective with Wolper acting as an executive producer.
Jay Z hit ‘Run This Town’ illegally sampled 1960s funk song: suit JAY Z may “Run This Town,” but a Manhattan record label wants to drag him into court. TufAmerica Inc. socked the Brooklyn rapper and his record companies with a copyright infringement lawsuit Wednesday, claiming he illegally sampled a funky late 1960s jam without permission to jazz up the hit 2009 track “Run This Town.” The miffed label argues Jay Z should face the music because it owns the exclusive rights to “Hook & Sling,” a 1969 number by singer Eddie Bo and producer Al Scramuzza. “Run This Town,” which also features Rihanna and Kanye West, samples “Hook & Sling” dozens of times, the federal suit alleges. Ironically, the catchy hip-hop hit is all about doing wrong. “Life’s a game but it’s not fair,” Rihanna croons in the chorus. “I break the rules so I don’t care.” The suit comes at a bad time for Brooklyn-born Jay Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter.
Jay Z is accused of sampling a 1969 song Hook and Sling.
The superstar rhyme-maker is already under fire for his partnership with Barneys New York in the wake of multiple allegations by black shoppers that they were profiled by the high-end department store. His rep did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday. The miffed label claims it bought the exclusive rights to “Hook & Sling” in 1996. The suit seeks proceeds from “Run This Town” and damages to be determined at trial, plus a court order to halt “further distribution and exploitation” of the Eddie Bo song. The complaint names Jay Z, his Roc-A-Fella Records, LLC, Atlantic Recording Corp. and several other companies as defendants. The suit is the third complaint filed by TufAmerica against Roc-AFella in Manhattan federal court this year. The parties settled both prior suits before trial. Reps Atlantic and TufAmerica did not immediately return requests for comment. (NYdailynews.com)
Justin Bieber has been in a heap of controversies for the year.
Justin Bieber charged over graffiti in Rio, Brazil POLICE in Brazil have charged Justin Bieber with illegally spraying graffiti in Rio de Janeiro. The Canadian singer could be fined after pictures appeared in local media to show him painting a wall. Defacing buildings is a crime in Brazil punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine. However officials described the case involving Justin Bieber as “a minor offence”. There was no immediate comment from his management team. In a statement, Brazil’s civil police force said Justin Bieber had been charged with “defacing a building or urban monument by graffiti or other means”. ‘Avoiding fans’ Brazilian media reported and published photos appearing to show
the 19-year-old singer spraying graffiti on the wall of the abandoned Hotel Nacional. The pictures showed him wearing a red cap and army pants - with a security guard on one side, a police car parked on the other. It emerged that Bieber had authorisation from the City Hall to paint at a sports facility nearby, but members of his entourage claim he chose a different location to avoid his fans. Police argued the consent did not extend to any other places. This closes a trip in which the teenage idol has been accused of swearing at photographers, was seen leaving a seedy night club and was kicked out of Rio’s most prestigious hotel, the BBC’s Julia Caneiro in Rio says.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology
Snakes the size of school buses can exist again
Damage to the spinal cord stops the brain and bladder communicating.
Spinal cord injury: Prosthetic bladder ‘controls urine’
A DEVICE that could one day restore bladder function to patients with a severed spinal cord has been devised by UK researchers and tested in animals. Nerve damage can leave no sense of when the bladder is full or control over when the contents are released. A study, published in Science Translational Medicine, showed a device to read the remaining nerves’ signals could be used to control the organ. The charity Spinal Research said this was “impressive and important” work. The loss of bladder, bowel and sexual function after spinal cord injury is often rated by patients as having the biggest impact on quality of life. BLOCKED SIGNALS When the spinal cord is injured, signals passing up from the bladder cannot tell the brain when the bladder is full. Going the other way, signals from the brain cannot tell the bladder when it is time to go to the toilet. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have devised a solution that uses the nerves still around the bladder. Electrodes wrapped around bundles of nerves can interpret signals that say the bladder is full. Stimulating other sets of nerves can get the bladder to contract on demand and prevent it emptying of its own volition. One of the researchers, Dr Daniel Chew, told the BBC the device had worked on rats.
“It is very effective. The feasibility studies are done, we’re now limited by miniaturisation of the technology,” he said. While the components that fit inside a rat could be converted for human use, the rest of the technology to process the information recorded currently needs a 6ft (2m) stack of equipment. This needs to shrunk down to a handheld device that can inform a patient when the bladder is full and a trigger button to contract the bladder. Dr Chew added: “This device is not the ultimate goal, the ultimate aim is to regenerate the spinal cord. What we’re doing is restoring some function, not curing spinal cord injury.” Dr Mark Bacon, the director of research at the charity Spinal Research, told the BBC: “Bladder dysfunction blights the life of many with spinal cord injuries and has a very major impact on their health and quality of life. “This is impressive and important work addressing one of the major limitations found with existing options for electrical stimulation to control bladder emptying, namely the need to surgically destroy the sensory fibres coming from the bladder. “Sparing and making use of sensory signals from a filling bladder adds a welcome degree of sophistication to elective voiding whilst retaining other functions normally lost such as erectile function - a distressing consequence of current methods.” (BBC)
SLEEPING well, lately? This will cure that: Imagine a snake the length of a school bus, with a mouth that opens wider than you can spread your arms. Not only could such a snake exist, it did exist ... and may exist again in the future as temperatures warm. That’s among the findings reported this week at the ScienceWriters2013 conference in Gainesville, Florida. During a period of time known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, high temperatures favored larger reptiles ... and, in turn, smaller mammals. Imagine, for instance, a horse the size of a house cat. The Paleocene Epoch lasted about 9 million years, starting with the fall of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Jonathan Bloch, a paleontologist at the Florida Museum of Natural History, discovered gargantuan turtle fossils and a snake known as Titanoboa from that period. That’s right. Titanoboa. Beat that, Sharknado. On the other end of the spectrum, mammals were much smaller in warmer climes. Consider the horse, which, during certain periods in earlier epochs, looked as if it would make a perfect little pet.
Digital reconstruction of a Titanoboa skeleton (Smithsonian Channel)
When temperatures spiked twice at about 55 million and 53 million years ago, mammals shrunk in size, according to a new study published by the University of Michigan. The changes come about when temperatures rise into the mid-90s for a sustained period of time; the thought is that larger mammals have a harder time regulating body temperatures and finding nutrition. “Developing a better understanding of the relationship between mammalian body size change and greenhouse gas-
induced global warming during the geological past may help us predict ecological changes that may occur in response to current changes in Earth’s climate,” said Will Clyde of the University of New Hampshire. As terrifying as the thought of a gigantic snake might be, or as precious as the thought of a footballsize horse might be, don’t go looking for them any time soon. These changes take centuries, not years. But you might want to leave your great-great-grandchildren a heads-up note, just in case. (YahooNews)
Childhood music lessons ‘leave lasting brain boost’ LEARNING a musical instrument as a child gives the brain a boost that lasts long into adult life, say scientists. Adults who used to play an instrument, even if they have not done so in decades, have a faster brain response to speech sounds, research suggests. The more years of practice during childhood, the faster the brain response was, the small study found. The Journal of Neuroscience work looked at 44 people in their 50s, 60s and 70s. The volunteers in the study at Northwestern University listened to a synthesised speech syllable, “da”, while researchers measured electrical activity in the region of the brain that processes sound information - the auditory brainstem. Despite none of the study participants having played an instrument in nearly 40 years, those who completed between four and 14 years of music training early in life had a faster response to the speech sound than those who had never been taught music. Commenting on the study,
Rehearsing may change the way the brain develops, scientists suspect.
Michael Kilgard from the University of Texas, said: “Being a millisecond faster may not seem like much, but the brain is very sensitive to timing and a millisecond compounded over millions of neurons can make a real difference in the lives of older adults.” As people grow older, they often experience changes in the brain that compromise hearing. For instance, the brains of older adults show a slower response to fast-changing
sounds, which is important for interpreting speech. It could be that learning an instrument in childhood causes a fixed change in the brain that is retained throughout life. Or, music classes somehow prepare the brain for future auditory learning, say the researchers. Past work by the same team found younger adults were better listeners if they had been taught an instrument as a child.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Little Chefs assist chef Wolfgang and Joseph to prepare meat treats for the Food and Wine Pairing event at West Bay Club
November 9 - 15, 2013
Patrons stand in line for samples at the island street food fair
Another amazing Food and Wine Festival
GREAT food and international wine did not fail to impress at this year’s Caribbean Food and Wine Festival (CFWF) and neither did TCI’s beauty and hospitality. Among the most talked about highlights of the third annual festival were the delicious food prepared by prominent local and international chefs, remarkable international wine, and the friendliness and warmth of TCI’s people. The grand three day affair which was held in Providenciales from October 31 to November 2, allowed guests to enjoy the outstanding culinary events in a most stylish and sophisticated way. Co-chairman of the festival Nikheel Advani said that he was once again pleased that the festival was able to bring people together and showcase the TCI as a culinary destination with superb local cuisine and great chefs. From reviews and praises the organisers have received, he said he knows that people have had a great time. SOLD OUT Although tickets to most of the events were sold out before the festivities, Advani said that they will not increase the number of persons they will admit to each event next year but rather, more events will be added. The intimate setting of the events allows patrons to not only enjoy the amazing creations of talented chefs and wine makers, but also gives them the opportunity to meet and interact, he explained. The winemakers and chefs also liked the personal setting and the opportunity to showcase their wines to the curious crowd. They expressed delight to be associated with such a luxurious occasion and were pleased with the chance it gave them to make an impression on the diverse group of
people that the island presents and possibly have their wine travel far and wide. The hotels and restaurants involved also got the chance to engage in some healthy competition and put forward their best for the guests to enjoy. Involved in the preparation of meals with the chefs were the helpful hands of the Little Chefs, the primary benefactor of the event. Advani said that the money raised from the event is used for the Little Chefs Programme since their goal is “to help forward food and beverage education …to have food and beverage become a passion for younger children.” This year’s line-up of guest chefs included Xoliswa Ndoyiya, Nelson Mandela’s personal chef for more than 20 years; Tiffany Derry, fan favourite from season seven of Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ and current personality on Food Network’s Cutthroat kitchen; and New York City’s famed Christina Tosi, founder and owner of the famed NY’s Momofuku Milk Bar. The festival also welcomed returning wine maker Tuck Beckstoffer of Napa Valley and Christopher Silva of St Francis wine. Daughter of Nelson Mandela, Makaziwe Mandela, and granddaughter Tukwini Mandela also made an impression with their wine label, House of Mandela. CULINARY ADVENTURE The culinary extravaganza kicked off on Thursday evening with a spectacular welcome dinner at the Regent Palms. In attendance were prominent community members including the Premier and visitors from other countries who flew down especially for the festivities. Guest chef Tifanny Derry teamed up with Parallel 23 staff to prepare the evenings dishes while House of
Winemaker Christopher Silva addresses attendees before they head off on the Gourmet Safari
Guest chef Tiffany Derry and winemaker Makaziwe Mandela introduce themselves to attendees at the Food and Wine Pairing event
Mandela wines accompanied the meal. Christina Tosi prepared a delectable pineapple upside down cake truffle for desert that had guests raving for days. On Friday a newly introduced event called Women of Wine Luncheon was hosted by the Beach House. The event presented another intimate dining experience where guests were greeted like royalty, treated to an incredible menu and got up close with the featured chefs and House of Mandela ladies of wine.
That evening the Gourmet Safari took guests on a culinary adventure to some of the finest hotels and restaurants in Providenciales. This superb affair is what led to the creation of The Caribbean Food and Wine Festival. The seventh annual safari began at the Grace Bay Club where guests enjoyed cocktails and wine. The first stop on the expedition took guests to the Coyaba Restaurant, where they had soup or salad. Seven Stars Resort served the fish course while the Regent Palms delivered the entrée. Lastly, guests headed over
to the Gansevoort to indulge in scrumptious desserts. Day three allowed guests a great occasion to sample some amazing food prepared by the local chefs along with the assistance of the Little Chefs. Taste buds tingled with delight as guests enjoyed the treats of seafood, meat, cheese and chocolate along with tips on how to pair them with wines. The event was well coordinated, with four small groups moving systematically through the rooms designated for each the different parings. STREET FOOD FAIR On Saturday also, festivities continued with the island street food fair, allowing local restaurants to showcase their cuisine and the wider community a chance to join in the fun. Co-chairman of CFWF Anthony Garland said this event was mainly a chance to get the community and families involved since most of the events are limited because of the numbers that can accommodated. Set up under a large tent opposite Jai’s in Grace Bay, chefs from several local restaurants treated attendees to samples of their specialties. A grill off competition saw chefs from Smokey’s and The Conch Shack go head to head for the title of Best Island Grill. Judges had a difficult decision but eventually awarded Aulden ‘Smokey’s’ Smith the winner. Tiki Hut was awarded Best Island Grilled Ribs while newcomers Mr Grouper took the title of Best Island Grilled Fish and Jerky Jerk walked away with the plaque for Best Island Grilled Chicken. The festivities came to an end on Saturday evening with a final dinner under the stars at the Grace Bay Club.
November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Taylor Swift honoured at CMA Awards The Caicos Conch Farm is expanding and in need of one
Belonger Tour Guide Starting pay $500.00 per week. Apply in person to Danver Fortune at the Caicos Conch Farm with resume on Monday November 4, 2013 at 10 am. 9374
THE Country Music Association has handed Taylor Swift its Pinnacle Award a prize only awarded once before to Country legend Garth Brooks in 2005. It recognises artists who take the genre to a worldwide audience, and comes despite Swift’s recent shift towards more mainstream pop. George Strait, 61, won entertainer of the year at the ceremony in Nashville. Blake Shelton and wife Miranda Lambert were named best male and best female vocalists, each for the fourth time. Shelton, who has been a judge on the US version of The Voice since 2011, also won album of the year for Based on a True Story. Swift, 23, who was nominated in six categories, was surprised on stage by six country stars that she had opened for as a teenager. Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, George Strait, Brad Paisley and the members of Rascal Flatts all joined her, before a video featuring messages from stars including
Taylor Swift was honoured with the Pinnacle Award
Justin Timberlake, Julia Roberts, Carly Simon and Mick Jagger. “I didn’t know there was going to be all this. You’ve made me feel so special right now,” said Swift, who also performed an acoustic version of her hit Red, accompanied by Vince Gill, Alison Krauss and Sam Bush. However, her Pinnacle Award attracted some criticism, including in the New York Times. “The only way for country music to respond to [Swift] - and for her to engage with
country music, a dance partner she only sometimes favours - is to fete her endlessly, to let her be both serious in addition to frilly, to weave her even more tightly into the fabric of Nashville,” wrote Jon Caramanica. He added: “She is country music’s cash cow, its creative engine, its ambassador to the wider world.” Despite having won a total of 17 CMA awards over the years, Strait shared his surprise at taking the entertainer of the year prize for the third time in his career.
November 9 - 15, 2013
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
TV cooking show transforms into restaurant BY DAISY HANDFIELD FOLLOWING the success of TCI cooking show Crackpot Kitchen, the masterminds behind the idea decided to open a local restaurant. An opening party was held on Friday (November 1) at former restaurant Lemon Café in Grace Bay, which will be the official location of the restaurant. The turnout was tremendous with attendance from many residents and visitors. During the event, appetisers prepared by the chef himself were handed out to attendees and people also had the opportunity to buy some of the food items on the menu. The star of the show, Nikita Skippings also known as Chef Nik,
told the media that he had great faith in this new venture and that his ultimate goal was to send people home with a satisfied stomach. “My expectations are smiles, happy faces and people leaving here knowing that they had remarkable service, great food and TCI cuisine at its best.” Skippings noted that the idea of opening a restaurant struck him after he saw the growing popularity of the show and the demands for his catering services and private chef services went up several notches. He added that people constantly asked the local celebrity why he did not have a restaurant for people to taste the food that he cooked on the show. He said: “My aim is to push and promote TCI cuisine, promote the culture of Turks and Caicos so that
Chef Nik and staff of Crackpot Kitchen, Venroy Brown hold a delicacy from the restaurant
when guests enter the TCI they know that they have experienced TCI cuisine at its best.” Skippings introduced one of his partners who came on board with the restaurant, Steve Nolan who explained that he was all for the idea when Chef Nik presented it to him. He said: “Anything that he does I am all behind it. I love the people and the food here in the TCI.
“The people are very supportive and I think the restaurant will do well. I expect to have a lot of fun and have a great place for people to come.” The restaurant will be open every day from 11am for lunch to 4.30pm and 5.30pm to 10pm for dinner, serving TCI Caribbean cuisines with an international twist. Minister of Education, Akierra
Missick fully endorsed Chef Nik, not only with the restaurant, but with the television show, Crackpot Kitchen. She said: “I am very excited. I just believe that he [Chef Nik] has taken the TCI’s food approach to a higher level. “I’m just very happy to be here celebrating another Turks and Caicos Islander achieving success in the culinary arts industry.”
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 9 - 15, 2013
November 9 - 15, 2013
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Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
DR demonstrators show support for Constitutional Court ruling HUNDREDS of people took to the streets in support of a controversial Constitutional Court ruling that could render stateless, thousands of persons of Haitian descent. The demonstrators assembled opposition Independence Park in the capital carrying banners rejecting the presence of Haitians in the country and even suggesting the erection of a wall to ensure the division of Hispaniola that is shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The demonstrators said the “Patriotic Meeting” was aimed at lending support to the ruling of the Constitutional Court that children born in the country of undocumented foreign parents do not have Dominican nationality. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM, as well as the Washington-based Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), have criticized the ruling made on September 23, with the IACHR saying that it “retroactively modifies legislation that was in effect from 1929 to 2010, and thus would strip Dominican citizenship from tens of thousands of people born in the Dominican Republic”. CARICOM Secretary General Irwin La Rocque said the ruling “raises a serious question about the status of the numerous… Dominican Republic nationals of Haitian extract” while St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in a letter to President Danilo Medina said the court’s decision was “unacceptable in any civilized community”. The international human rights group, Amnesty International and the Organization of American States (OAS) have also expressed concern over the ruling and the US-based The
The demonstrators have even suggested that a wall be created between the two nations.
US-based Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA) said the ruling had truned the Dominican Republic into a “ticking time bomb. “Unsurprisingly, this controversial ruling has sparked global outrage. The ruling could potentially result in the deportation of hundreds of thousands of Dominicans of Haitian descent, as well as their children, who were born in the Dominican Republic,” COHA added. The demonstration was organized by the National Network for the Defense of Sovereignty and demonstrators sang the national anthem and waved the Dominican Republic flag. Economist Philip Auffant Najri, who addressed the meeting, rejected what he termed the smear campaign made against the country internationally and demanded the construction of a border wall which he said would end poverty here and prevent conflict between the two
nations. He said that the lack of public policies to promote the employment of Dominicans has led many people within and outside the country, to believe that impoverished immigrant labour is indispensable for the national economy. Another speaker, jurist Juan Manuel Castillo Pantaleon, said the Constitutional Court “has aroused all Dominicans to defend as one man our national sovereignty”. He described the ruling as a landmark and brave “because it clearly defines who we Dominicans are and reaffirms the laws and institutions, as provided in the Constitution. “The hypocritical international community which offered aid to Haiti, never kept their promises and in some cases committed robbery, and intends that we Dominicans should assume responsibility for a failed state,” said Castillo Pantaleon.
Suriname making it easier for aliens to legalise stay SURINAME authorities have imposed easier procedures for illegal aliens to legalise their stay in the country. The Ministry of Justice and Police (J&P) has taken its services to the districts where the majority of aliens are hiding. Minister of J&P, Edward Belfort, opened a branch of the Alien Registration department in the District Commissioner’s Office in Commewijne. The district harbours many illegal Guyanese working in the fishery sector. Belfort intends to take on Wanica next. Early next year he plans to serve the illegal Brazilians working in the gold fields in Brokopondo. Rachelle Groenveld,
deputy director Alien Registration tells de Ware Tijd the department wants to be closer to the people. Of the 2,800 aliens who have registered so far for this year, one third lives in Commewijne. Commewije has only a small population of illegal Brazilians, Haitians and Chinese. District Commissioner Ingrid Karta-Bink called on the aliens to make use of the service. ‘There will come a time when our patience will run out,’ she said, referring to the plague of drunken aliens in public. A consequence of this plague is that often fights and other forms of crime erupt. Groenveld explains that the aliens
who move to the districts, often find it hard to travel to Paramaribo to make documents for their stay in order. They also often have the wrong documentation with them so when they are faced with a lengthy process of dealing with their case, they simply give up and disappear. Mostly Brazilians, who arrive in Suriname, stay in Paramaribo for one day only. They then move to the gold fields in Brokopondo and Sipaliwini for months on end without first registering with the authorities. Groenveld hopes that when the Brokopondo office is in operation the aliens will report for registering. (de Ware Tijd)
November 9 - 15, 2013
US to curtail offshore tax evasion in the Caribbean THE United States Department of Treasury says it is taking steps to curtail offshore tax evasion in the Caribbean and other places. The US Treasury Department along with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have issued a notice for foreign financial institutions (FFIs) to comply with information reporting and withholding tax provisions of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The department said the FATCA is “rapidly becoming the global standard in the effort to curb offshore tax evasion.” According to the Treasury Department, to date it has reached 16 agreements “in substance and is engaged in related conversations with many more jurisdictions. “The notice, which is the next step in implementation, previews proposed guidance and provides a draft agreement for participating FFIs directly engaging in agreements with the IRS and those reporting through a Model 2 intergovernmental agreement (IGA),” the statement said. “It provides FFIs with advance notice prior to the beginning of
FATCA withholding and account due diligence requirements on July 1, 2014,” it added, stating that the FFI agreement will be finalized by year’s end. Robert B. Stack, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Tax Affairs, said the Agreement and forthcoming guidance have been designed to “minimize administrative burdens and related costs for foreign financial institutions and withholding agents.” He said the latest preview “demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to ensuring full global cooperation and a smooth implementation.” In 2010, the US Congress enacted FATCA as “a way to identify US citizens using foreign accounts to evade their US tax responsibilities.” FATCA requires US financial institutions to withhold a portion of payments made to FFIs that do not agree to identify and report information on US account holders. The US Treasury Department said it has taken a global approach to the exchange of tax information in its implementation of FATCA. (CMC)
Bahamas ‘escapes another bullet’ on sovereign rating ON Tuesday night the Bahamas was said to have “escaped another bullet” after Standard & Poor’s (S&P) chose not to further downgrade this nation’s sovereign credit rating, with successful fiscal reform key to any improvement. The Wall Street credit rating agency, in confirming that the Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating remained at ‘BBB/A-2’, albeit with a ‘negative’ outlook, warned that further downgrades would follow if the Christie administration failed to arrest this nation’s $443 million fiscal deficit and expanding national debt. “We could lower our rating on the Bahamas by one or two notches if the administration does not take additional action to reduce the Bahamas’ fiscal deficit and arrest the increase in debtto-GDP over the next several years,” S&P said last night. It added that the “passage and successful implementation of a revenue-positive VAT” would be a key step in addressing the Bahamas’ deficit/debt woes. And S&P revealed that the Government was aiming to bring the final version of its VAT legislation to Parliament by December, passing it into law by early 2014.
“Currently in a period of public consultation, the Government expects to send a final VAT legislation to Parliament in December for passage by early 2014,” the Wall Street rating agency said. “Preparations for a July 1, 2014, implementation are underway within the Government.” This indicates that the private sector, and Bahamian public at large, will have less than two months to analyse VAT and its implications for them before the new tax becomes law. Although its report is based on information obtained during its visit to the Bahamas in August, S&P will likely have kept in touch with the situation on the ground, and updated its report. Either way, S&P said VAT and wider revenue reforms, together with the $2.6 billion Baha Mar project, were vital to the Bahamas’ prospects of improving its sovereign credit rating. “We could revise the rating outlook to stable with effective tax reform, or if the island’s new tourism offering produces greater economic growth with more positive fiscal and external spillovers than we currently expect,” S&P added.
November 9 - 15, 2013
Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
29
T&T among highest cancer mortality rates in the Americas - report
The Day of the Dead combined elements of Christianity with voodoo practices and coincides with All Souls’ Day, an occasion to remember the deceased and pray for the souls of those in purgatory, according to Catholic tradition.
Haiti’s Day of the Dead blends voodoo with Christianity HAITIANS gathered over the weekend to celebrate the Day of the Dead in a downtown cemetery, where a large black cross had been placed to represent the spirit of death “Baron Samedi.” Followers of the voodoo faith, which was brought to the island via the slave trade in the 16th and 17th centuries, seek to engage with spirits who protect followers and bring them into contact with an invisible world. The Day of the Dead nevertheless combines elements of Christianity with voodoo practices and coincides with All Souls’ Day, an occasion to remember the deceased and pray for the souls of those in purgatory, according to Catholic tradition. That, in turn, follows All Saints’ Day, now preceded by the ghoulish masks and costumes of Halloween in much of the western world. In Haiti, it is not uncommon for participants in the Day of the Dead festivities to head for the graveyard celebrations after attending services
in a Christian church. In Saturday’s festivities at the Port-au-Prince cemetery, some people danced, some fell into trancelike states, while yet others simply brought floral offerings to honour the memory of a deceased family member. The voodoo followers placed plates of food before the cross to serve the dead amid chants and incantations before sharing the meals among themselves and the needy who attended the celebrations. “We are all here to ask the dead to change our life,” said Maradona Thomas, 26, a young dancer preparing to head into the streets to celebrate to the sound of traditional music. “Since I was 16 I’ve practiced voodoo. It’s a tradition in my family. My father was a voodoo preacher,” he told AFP. At the University of Haiti’s school of ethnology in Port-auPrince, hundreds follow the voodoo tradition.
Britain reportedly signs tax agreement with Cayman Islands BRITAIN is reported to have signed an information-sharing agreement with the Cayman Islands, one of its overseas territories, to help British authorities improve tax collection, Finance minister George Osborne made this declaration on Tuesday last. The step advances Britain’s efforts to stamp out use of offshore tax havens to launder money and hide wealth. Prime Minister David Cameron used an international summit in June to raise the profile of illegal global tax evasion. “We will be signing this afternoon a tax information sharing agreement with the Cayman Islands, the first ever with an overseas territory,” Osborne had told parliament on Tuesday.
“As a result information on UK taxpayers held in the Cayman Islands will automatically be provided to HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) who will use it to collect the tax that is due,” he said. The Cayman Islands and other British overseas territories have become major international financial centers thanks to low taxation, light-touch regulation and limited requirements for those who invest there to disclose their business. Last week Cameron said he would make public a British register of company ownership details to help tax authorities untangle deliberately complex structures used to hide wealth and profits in low tax regimes abroad. (Reuters)
TRINIDAD and Tobago is among three countries with the highest cancer mortality rates in the Americas, according to a new report released by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). The report released earlier this week at the 5th International Cancer Control Congress in Peru, showed that while deaths from cancer were decreasing in some countries of the Americas for certain kinds of cancers, deaths from other cancers were on the rise. Overall, cancer is holding steady as the second-leading cause of death in the Americas, claiming an estimated 1.3 million lives each year, according to Cancer in the report titled “Americas: Country Profiles, 2013”. The PAHO/WHO report shows that Latin America and the Caribbean account for approximately 50 per cent of cancer deaths in the Americas, although they account for 63 per cent of the hemisphere’s population. The highest cancer mortality rates in the region are found in Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and Argentina, based on data provided to PAHO/WHO by its member countries. Mexico, Nicaragua and El Salvador have the lowest cancer mortality rates. Cancer deaths overall are declining in nine countries
namely, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Venezuela and the United States. Cancer mortality rates vary for men and women as well as across countries. In Latin American and Caribbean men, the majority of cancer deaths are due to prostate cancer, followed by lung, stomach and colorectal cancers; and in women, breast cancer, followed by stomach, lung, cervical and colorectal cancers. “The large number of deaths from breast and cervical cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean is very disconcerting, since cervical cancer is largely preventable, and breast cancer can be detected early and treated successfully,’’ said Silvana Luciani, PAHO/WHO advisor on cancer prevention and control. “This points to the need to improve screening and treatment, especially for women in rural and remote areas, where access to health services is especially limited,” she added. The report notes that while breast cancer is the leading cancer cause of death for women in the Americas in most of the region’s countries, prostate cancer is the leading cancer cause of death for men. The report found that obesity, another important cancer risk factor, is highest in English-speaking Caribbean countries, notably
Bahamas, Belize, St. Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago. The report is based on recent data compiled by PAHO/WHO about cancer mortality, risk factors, and cancer policies and services in the countries of North, South and Central America and the Caribbean. For each country, data are presented for leading cancer types (ranked by mortality); trends in cancer deaths from 2000 to 2010; main cancer risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, diet, physical inactivity, obesity); key socio-demographic factors; and health sector plans, policies and services for cancer. “The idea is to provide key information that can help countries monitor progress in cancer control and assess areas of need, “said Luciani, adding “this report contributes significantly to the evidence base for cancer policymaking and health care.” The report is part of PAHO/ WHO’s efforts to support member countries as they address the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). PAHO/WHO said it is also working with countries and partner organizations to develop and implement comprehensive cancer control programmes within the framework of the PAHO/WHO Strategy and Plan of Action on NCDs. (CMC)
Experts say Myrie ruling is a turning point for regional integration ALMOST a month after the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that Barbados had breached the rights of a Jamaican national when she sought entry into the country in 2011, regional stakeholders say the judgment represents a turning point for the regional integration movement. The CCJ was established in 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s final court, but while many Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are signatories to its original jurisdiction, only Barbados, Guyana and Belize are signatories to the appellate jurisdiction of the court that also serves as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs the integration movement. At a panel discussion at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies earlier this week, panellists examined the implications of the CCJ ruling in the Shanique Myrie case in which Barbados was also ordered to pay BDS$75,000 (one BDS dollar = US$0.50 cents) in compensation. Myrie, who had been granted
In the CCJ ruling, Barbados was ordered to pay Shanique Myrie BDS$75,000 (one BDS dollar = US$0.50 cents) in compensation.
leave by the CCJ to file the action, alleged that when she travelled to Barbados on March 14, 2011 she was discriminated against because of her nationality, subjected to a body cavity search, detained overnight in a cell and deported to Jamaica the following day. Myrie also claimed that she was subjected to derogatory remarks by a Barbadian Immigration officer and asked the CCJ to determine the minimum standard of treatment applicable to CARICOM citizens moving around the region. Barbados Attorney General
Adriel Brathwaite said that while the introduction of free movement within CARICOM though noble, it was not properly thought out. Highlighting Barbados’s concerns, he said there were not enough structures in place to ensure free movement work and if the region doesn’t get it right, there will be chaos. “We’re faced with a situation where we are concerned about whether or not we have the capacity not only to provide housing for all of our people but for those of us, those people from the region who we would love to come to live with us. “But we can’t invite people to come and live with us and then we have six and eight people living in a room, sharing one bathroom etc., (these) kind of stories you hear from time to time. “We have the whole issue of education. We, to the best of my knowledge are about three secondary schools behind where we would like to be and probably three or four junior schools from where we would like to be. If we want to invite our brothers and sisters we want to ensure that they also have access to education,” he said.
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World News
November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Food waste: ‘Six meals a week’ thrown away by Britons BRITISH families throw away an average of the equivalent of six meals per week in food waste, research has suggested. Publicly-funded recycling group the Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap) said this would amount to £60 a month for a household. Wrap said buying too much, serving large portions and confusion over food labelling were the main causes. Its chief executive Dr Liz Goodwin called on stores, food manufacturers and government to tackle the situation. The foods most commonly thrown out were staples such as bread, milk and potatoes. Some 86 million chickens were said to be discarded every year. Wrap advised people to buy just what they need, serve smaller portions, and understand the difference between “best before” and “use by” dates. The organisation, funded by the governments of the UK and the EU, said households had cut food waste by 21% over five years, saving consumers £13bn. But Dr Goodwin said this could be reduced by a further 1.7 million
Suspicion has focused on a structure on top of the British embassy in Berlin.
Foods such as bread, milk and potatoes were among the most likely to be binned.
tonnes a year by 2025. She said: “Consumers are seriously worried about the cost of food and how it has increased over recent years. Yet, as Wrap’s research shows, we are still wasting millions of tonnes and billions of pounds. “The UK is leading the way in tackling food waste and the 21% cut is a terrific achievement by millions of people who have taken action, saved money and helped safeguard our natural resources. “However, there is so much more to go for and I believe we should be
going for it.” The government’s resource management minister, Dan Rogerson, said “there is still more to do”. “Everyone has a role to play in reducing food waste and we want to see businesses helping consumers to waste less food,” he said. “Cutting waste and driving business innovation will help to build a stronger economy. We will continue to work closely with food retailers and manufacturers to achieve this goal.” (BBC)
Top EU court ruling backs gay African asylum bids THE EU’s top court has ruled that homosexuals from Sierra Leone, Uganda and Senegal who fear imprisonment in their home country have grounds for asylum in EU member states. The Netherlands had asked the court for advice about three gay citizens of those countries seeking asylum. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) says asylum can be granted in cases where people are actually jailed for homosexuality in their home country. ECJ rulings apply to all EU members. Homosexual acts are illegal in most African countries, including key Western allies such as Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya and Botswana. In June a report by Amnesty International said homophobic attacks had reached dangerous levels in sub-Saharan Africa and must stop. The ECJ judgment on Thursday was a response to the Dutch Council of State, a top advisory body, which had asked whether homosexuals could be considered a “particular social group” and
German call for inquiry into British embassy ‘spying’ THE head of the German parliament’s intelligence committee has called for inquiries into alleged spying by the British embassy in Berlin. Thomas Oppermann said the committee had asked both Germany’s law enforcement services and its intelligence services to investigate the alleged “crime”. Germany’s interior ministry has asked British ambassador Simon McDonald to explain the embassy’s activities. He earlier attended a meeting at the foreign ministry. Klaus-Dieter Fritsche, state secretary at the interior ministry, asked Mr McDonald why the embassy allegedly possessed eavesdropping equipment and whether it had been used to spy on the government or parliament, Germany’s DPA news agency reports.
German media seized on a report in the UK’s Independent newspaper which alleges that a tent-like structure on top of the embassy is an electronic listening post. An espionage expert, Professor Richard Aldrich, told the UK’s Press Association: “We now have documentary evidence to show that Britain regularly runs covert listening stations out of embassies and consulates, as does everybody else.” The Independent’s report was based on US National Security Agency (NSA) documents leaked by fugitive US whistleblower Edward Snowden. Britain, it suggested, was operating a covert listening station close to the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, and Chancellor Angela Merkel’s offices.
Pastor jailed in Iran prohibited from visits
Even when living abroad some gay Africans fear being named and targeted back home.
whether criminalisation and possible imprisonment amounted to persecution. The ECJ says laws specifically targeting homosexuals do make them a separate group. But it is up to the national authorities - in this case the Netherlands - to determine “whether, in the applicant’s country of origin, the term of imprisonment... is applied
in practice”. The mere existence of a ban on homosexuality is not grounds in itself for approving an asylum request, the ECJ ruled. Under international law a particular social group with a wellfounded fear of persecution can claim refugee status if the persecution amounts to a severe violation of human rights. (BBC)
IRANIAN authorities have moved imprisoned American Saeed Abedini to a more dangerous prison and are now prohibiting visits from the family of the Christian pastor, according to the public interest law firm representing Abedini’s family in the United States. Abedini, 33, is an Iranian-born U.S. citizen who makes his home in Boise, Idaho, with his wife and two small children. He converted to Christianity from Islam. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, a Muslim who converts to another faith can face the death penalty. Abedini was arrested in June 2012 during a visit to his native country. In a news release, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) said that one of Abedini’s Iranian family
members went to visit him at Evin Prison in Tehran on Sunday and was told that Abedini had been moved the previous day to Rajai Shahr Prison near Karaj. The family member then made the hour-and-a-half drive to Karaj and was told that Abedini was not permitted to receive visitors. The ACLJ pointed out that the transfer occurred at the same time demonstrators in Iran were chanting, “Death to America!” in rallies observing the anniversary of Iranian protestors seizing the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Iran has detained Abedini since Sept. 26, 2012, sentencing him to eight years in prison, “on charges related to his religious belief.” Kerry has called for Iran to release him. (CNN)
November 9 - 15, 2013
World News
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
South Wales teacher fired for asking student for sex Timothy Bowers suffered a spine injury and paralysis from a 16-feet fall.
Paralysed after falling from tree, Indiana deer hunter opts to end life It’s a grim topic: What would you want if you were on life support after a life-altering accident? Would you want to live in a wheelchair or would you want to die? An Indiana deer hunter who was left paralysed after falling from a tree chose the latter, state authorities said Wednesday. Timothy E. Bowers, 32, of Decatur was hunting Saturday afternoon when he fell about 16 feet to the ground from a tree stand, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources said. Bowers suffered a spine injury and paralysis, authorities said. On Sunday, “Bowers self-elected to remove himself from life support systems and died” that evening, the department’s statement said. “He had such a strong faith that it didn’t surprise me (that he made the decision). Everyone is different but it didn’t surprise me,” family friend Bill Whitright told CNN. “He was ready to go to heaven, he was ready for God.”
Bowers was a newlywed; he married Abbey Logan on August 3, the Haggard-Sefton & Hirschy Funeral Home of Decatur said on its website. The funeral home said memorials could go to the couple’s Baby Bowers Education Fund. His widow is expecting a baby, said one acquaintance on the funeral home’s website. “Tim was like a brother to everyone. He was just a great man. I learned a lot from a 32-year-old kid. He was a great man,” Whitright said. Medical ethicist Arthur L. Caplan of New York University said Bowers’ death is a reminder that young people need to deal with difficult end-of-life decisions just like older adults. “I know it’s hard,” he said. “Talk to your friends; talk to your family. Say this is what I would want.” The trouble is, some people who are asked in the hospital if they want life support removed might change their minds after a few days, he said. So it is better to have the conversations now, he said.
Mexicans consume the most soft drinks globally WITH their country having the dubious distinction of first place in a global ranking of obese populations, legislators in Mexico have approved new taxes on high-calorie foods and soft drinks. A measure that cleared the Mexican senate on Thursday and that now awaits the president’s signature puts an 8% tax on edibles with high caloric contents. Although the legislation does not identify all foods that fit into its tax category or include a specific list, it cites “food that is high in calories such as fried foods ... sweets, foods made mainly with cereal, among others...” Senators also approved a tax of one peso (about seven-and-a-half cents) on every liter of soft drinks. The tax measures come after Mexico jumped ahead of the United
States to claim first place in a list of most-obese nations in a U.N. food and agriculture report this year. Meanwhile, in another component of a government effort to combat obesity, the Mexico Health Department is joinging with two pediatric organisations in a campaign to prevent childhood obesity. The campaign’s goal is to help doctors understand the complications of obesity, as well as the preventative and treatment measures available, said Arturo Perea-Martinez of Mexico’s National Pediatric Institute According to the World Health Organisation, the average Mexican drinks 163 liters (about 43 gallons) of soda a year, which is 40% more than the average U.S. citizen, making Mexico the largest consumer of soft drinks in the world. (CNN)
A TEACHER in South Wales was fired from a Catholic school after asking a 17-year-old male student for sex and identifying the virgins in her classroom. A disciplinary board at the school fired Lindsay Black, 28, after revealing the teacher sent texts, emails and Facebook messages to the student asking for sex, according to the Daily Mirror. The drama teacher had worked with the student while he was in a school musical and the messages included the teacher informing the student she had a dream in which the two had sex. The St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic High School in Newport, South Wales, said Black would flirt with the boy and also sent him messages about sex and alcohol, the Mirror reported. She eventually asked him to meet her for sex and even “grilled” the student’s girlfriend, the Mirror reported. Black was also found to have “inappropriate and sexually explicit” talks with students in other
Drama teacher Lindsay Black was accused of having the virgins in her classroom identify themselves through a game.
classrooms, according to the Mirror. This included asking a class “who’s a virgin?” and making the students who were stand up in the room. She also played the game “I have never” with the students and asked them if they performed certain
sexual acts. Her students were also encouraged to mime out sex acts in class, the Mirror reported. When confronted, the teacher said it was merely an exercise to get the drama students into “character,” the Mirror said. But colleague Sandra Davies said Black told her she wanted to cheat on her fiancé once before the couple got married and that she fantasized about having sex on a table in the drama class, according to the Mirror . Police did investigate the teacher in 2011, but the Mirror reported no action was taken. Black did not attend the hearing and told the Mirror she denied discussing sex in her classrooms and that the students made it up. She did admit to having sexually explicit conversations with a student via Facebook. The 17-year-old student said his grades suffered due to the messages andthat he had to repeat some classes, the Mirror reported. (NYdailynews. com)
Late Palestinian leader Arafat “might have been poisoned” THE late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat may have been poisoned with radioactive polonium, says a Swiss forensic report obtained by alJazeera. Arafat’s official medical records say he died in 2004 from a stroke resulting from a blood disorder. But his body was exhumed last year amid continuing claims he was murdered. The Swiss report said tests on the body showed “unexpected high activity” of polonium, which “moderately” supported the poisoning theory. Many Palestinians and others have long believed that Israel poisoned Arafat. Others allege that he had Aids or cancer. Israel has consistently denied any involvement. A spokesman for the Israeli foreign ministry said the Swiss investigation was “more soap opera than science”. The scientists - from the Vaudois University Hospital Centre (CHUV) in Lausanne, Switzerland - carried out a detailed examination of Arafat’s medical records, samples taken from his remains and items he had taken into the hospital in Paris where he died in 2004. The biological materials included pieces of Mr Arafat’s bones and soil samples from around his corpse. The scientists concluded that
Yasser Arafat died in 2004. Official medical records stated that his death was the result of a stroke resulting from a blood disorder.
their results “moderately support the proposition that the death was the consequence of poisoning with polonium-210”. The scientists stressed that they had been unable to reach a more definitive conclusion because of the time that had lapsed since Arafat’s death, the limited samples available and the confused “chain of custody” of some of the specimens. Polonium-210 is a highly radioactive substance. It is found naturally in low doses in food and in the body, but can be fatal if ingested in high doses. The scientists have made “a pretty
strong statement”, according to Prof Paddy Regan, an expert in radiation detection and measurement at the University of Surrey in the UK, who was not involved in the investigation. “They are saying the hypothesis that Arafat was poisoned with polonium-210 is valid and has not been disproven by the data. However they cannot say definitively that he was murdered.” Prof Regan says a series of assumptions would have been made in order to ascertain how much Po210 may or may not have been in Mr Arafat’s body at the time of his death. (BBC)
32
Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate
Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Brama Kumaris
FOR RENT
3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.
contact: 946-4664
Raja Yoga
November 9 - 15, 2013
946-4664 Fax: 946-4661
Email: tcnews@tciway.tc
Website: tcweeklynews.com
GRACEBAY SUITES
Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands BWI
Is looking for
Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands
Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101
www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com
FOR SALE
Cleaners/ Maids For upcoming season. Bring resume. Belongers only.
9068
Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788
November 9 - 15, 2013
CLASSIFIEDS 33
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
SUNRISE RENTAL
SALE!!! FLOWER GIRL TEDDYS, ROSES, BASKETS Sale on wedding favors, nick naks, pillows, knives etc.
25%–35% OFF CONTACT: 649-946-4894
Amazing Value! Lot for Sale
In Gated/Planned Community in Long Bay. Flamingo Crossing lot comes with full set of House Plans, all underground utilities, etc.
$49,999 o.b.o. Call 231-3788
Is currently looking to employ a
Labourer Who will be responsible for the daily maintenance of the building and its surroundings, must be able to drive a range of vehicles including buses • Must be courteous at all times with a pleasant attitude towards our customers • All applicant must possess a valid driver’s license • Willing to work with little or no supervision • Must be willing to work weekends and holidays • Must be able to drive a manual vehicle
Please email all applications to: syrmondg@bayviewmotors.com
SENIOR LITIGATION ATTORNEY REQUIRED With background and experience in dispute resolution and all aspects of commercial, civil and criminal litigation.
The successful applicant must meet the requirement to be admitted to practice as an attorney in the Turks and Caicos Islands, have in excess of ten (10) years post qualification experience and be able to handle routine to complex legal matters. Identifies and analyzes legal issues, drafts court documents, and negotiates and resolve disputes with limited guidance from senior legal staff. Advocates and effectively presents legal points to influence clients and to represent clients as
legal counsel. Builds, enhances, and maintains client relationships, educates self and partners on legal developments affecting the practice and provides innovative strategies to address those developments. Performs other related duties assigned or required. The starting salary is US $60,000- US $75,000 per year depending on experience, plus profit sharing to be negotiate with the successful applicant.
Send all resumes by email to: Administrator, Misick Gardiner, Suite A1, Windsor Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands or email: chalmisick@gmail.com 9378
PRICE SLASHED FOR QUICK SALE
PRICE SLASHED $180,000 CASH! $175,000
House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished
Call: 231-3788
34 CLASSIFIEDS
November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NAIL TECHNICIAN WANTED
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BOARD
VACANCY FOR THE POSITION OF CERTIFIED MEDICAL CODER - PROVIDENCIALES
To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour send resumes to info@ misickstanbrook.tc
9386
To perform highly technical and specialized coding functions for the Claims Department, Health Insurance Board. The employee reviews, analyzes, and codes diagnostic and procedural information that determines payments. The primary function of this position is to perform ICD9-CM, CPT and HCPCS coding for payments for medical services. The coding function is a primary source for data and information used in health care, and promotes provider/patient continuity, accurate database information. The coding function also ensures compliance with established universal coding guidelines. A CPC is specifically qualified to do this thereby ensuring the institution has accurate information in a format that can be used for monitoring and planning.
Duties and Responsibilities: • To assign and sequences ICD-9-CM/CPT/HCPCS codes to diagnoses and procedures for documented information. Assures the final diagnoses and operative procedures as stated by the physician are valid and complete. Abstracts all necessary information from health records to identify secondary complications and co-morbid conditions. • Abstracts all necessary information and assigns codes (ICD-9, CPT & HCPCS), which most accurately describe each documented diagnosis, surgical procedure and special therapy or procedure according to established guidelines. • To determines the final diagnoses and procedures stated by the physician or other health care providers are valid and complete. • To performs a comprehensive review for the record to assure the presence of all component parts such as: patient and record identification, signatures and dates where required and other necessary data in the presence of all reports which appear to be indicated by the nature of the treatment rendered. • To evaluates the record for documentation consistency and adequacy. CPC ensures that the final diagnosis accurately reflects the care and treatment rendered. Reviews the records for compliance with established TPAs when submitted. • Establishes and maintains a log for claims process, by assigning batch numbers. • Performs all duties according to established claim procedures and company policy. • Performs other duties assigned by the operations/claims manger. • To assign and sequences ICD-9-CM/CPT/HCPCS codes to diagnoses and procedures for documented information. Assures the final diagnoses and operative procedures as stated by the physician are valid and complete. Abstracts all necessary information from health records to identify secondary complications and co-morbid conditions. • Abstracts all necessary information and assigns codes (ICD-9, CPT & HCPCS), which most accurately describe each documented diagnosis, surgical procedure and special therapy or procedure according to established guidelines.
• To determines the final diagnoses and procedures stated by the physician or other health care providers are valid and complete.
PRESIDENTIAL SECURITY
• To performs a comprehensive review for the record to assure the presence of all component parts such as: patient and record identification, signatures and dates where required and other necessary data in the presence of all reports which appear to be indicated by the nature of the treatment rendered.
Is looking for a
• To evaluates the record for documentation consistency and adequacy. CPC ensures that the final diagnosis accurately reflects the care and treatment rendered. Reviews the records for compliance with established TPAs when submitted.
Security Officer
• Establishes and maintains a log for claims process, by assigning batch numbers.
To work 4 days per week salary $6.00.
• Performs all duties according to established claim procedures and company policy.
Contact: 347-9136
• Performs other duties assigned by the operations/claims manger or authorized person to assign such duties.
9391
R & B TIRES
Person specification
Is looking for a
• Preferred candidate should completion tertiary level education, and must have no less than two years of coding experience using ICD-9-CM or equivalency. CCS, ChhCS-P or CPC certification is required. CPC is expected to enroll in continuing education courses to maintain certification. • Advance knowledge of medical terminology, abbreviations, techniques and surgical procedures; anatomy and physiology; major disease processes; pharmacology; and the metric system to identify specific clinical findings, to support existing diagnoses, or substantiate listing additional diagnoses in the medical record.
Tire
repairman To work 6 days per
• Advance knowledge of medical codes involving selections of most accurate and description code using the ICD-9-CM, Volumes 1- 3, CPT, HCPCS, and IHS coding conventions.
week including holidays and weekends salary $5.25 per hour.
• Skill in correlating generalized observations/symptoms (vital signs, lab results, medications, etc.) to a stated diagnosis to assign the correct ICD-9CM code.
Send resumes to P.O. Box 477, Providenciales9416
• Advance knowledge of medical codes involving selection of most accurate and descriptive code using the CPT codes for billing.
SAMUEL FORBES is looking for a
• Must have good math skills and effective communication skills. • Very detail oriented with the ability to multi-task • Show initiative • Time management skills • Must be able to follow instructions and work independently.
carpenter To work 5 days
Salary Salary for this position is $30,000.00 per annum. Deadline for Submission is November 15, 2013.
per week salary $6.00 per hour.
All Applications should be addressed to: Chief Executive Officer National Health Insurance Board Salt Mills Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands British West Indies Email: recruitment@tcinhip.tc
contact: 231-6370
9410
9401
November 9 - 15, 2013
CLASSIFIEDS 35
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
LABOURER / GARDENER
Richard Gervais is seeking a
LABOURER To work 6 days Per Week at a salary of $5.00 per hour.
Please send applications to Savory & Co. Fax 946 4848, Email reception@savory-co.com
9418
Contact: 946-4873
For a residential property in Providenciales. $6/hr. Belongers only need apply.
9395
Is looking for a
Is looking for qualified, experienced applicants for the position of:
Kitchen Helper Dishwasher Bartender Server The successful applicant must posses the following skills and experience: • Must have experience in your respective field • Food safe certificate or equivalent • Must be willing to work holidays and weekends on a flexible schedule • Ability to speak English is essential • Must have a clean police record Preference will be give to experience and qualified Belongers Please contact: 441-3466 for an appointment or interview. Wage commensurate with experience 9393
the national newspaper of the turks and caicos islands
DOMESTIC
HELP worker NEEDED To work 5 days
To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 347-0720
9392
ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
The Turks and Caicos Islands’ oldest and WRITERS / leading publishing house is in need of additional staff to fill the following posts:
PHOTO JOURNALISTS
Candidates must have at least five (5) years experience working full-time for daily newspapers and/or news/features magazines, reporting on hard news, features and parliamentary/court proceedings. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.
REPORTER TRAINEE Preferably a High School graduate or someone with an extremely good command of the English language for court and community reporting. Ability to drive and use a camera a desirable asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience. Position available March 1, 2010
Forward applications to: The Publisher Duncanson Publications Ltd. P.O. Box 52, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Email: tcnews@tciway.tc NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE Preference will be given to Belongers and Legal Residents Closing date for applications is November 31, 2013
Is looking for a
WANTED
• New business practice company seeks coordinator/ nigh auditor to manage new clients • Must have at least 10 years in the business community, accounting practices experience, Microsoft Suite programming experience and an available attitude. • Must be able to build and manage Microsoft Access Database • Must have extensive knowledge with QuickBooks Accountant Suite and ability to manage multiple accounts.
Please send resume to: sealsecurity@hotmail.com
9388
domestic
worker To work 5 days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour.
Contact: 345-5720 9399
Applicants are invited from suitable qualified persons to fill the following positions for January 2014.
domestic
Weekly News
SHANIQUA WILLIAMS
SHINING STARS PREPARATORY SCHOOL
DELICIOUS DISHES
CABANA BAR AT OCEAN CLUB
COORDINATOR/ NIGHT AUDITOR
per week salary $5.50 per hour. contact: 242-6399
DOMESTIC WORKER LABOURER PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
• Applicants must be qualified for the position for which they are applying (Bachelor’s Degree in the case of teachers) • Must also have a loving, caring and cooperative attitude • Applications, along with two (2) references and proof of qualifications must be sent in writing to: THE PRINCIPAL SHINING STAR PREPARATORY SCHOOL 11 ACADEMY AVE, DOWNTOWN PROVIDENCIALES Deadline no later than December 15th, 2013 Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
9415
Express Solutions Limited “leave the hard work to us”
Services • TCIG Services • Company Services • NIB Services • NHIB Services • Private Investigations For more information contact us at Tel: 649-441-8485
9412
36 CLASSIFIEDS
November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Claymore Group Ltd.
T HOLDINGS LTD.
Gold Finger Seeks
Seeks a
Is looking for a
LEMON 2 GO
Requirements:
• Minimum 2 years barista experience and 4 years customer facing experience • Fully trained in all aspects of health and safety regulations in the kitchen with staff, cleanliness, storage and production of food • Willing to work irregular, long and late hours • Command a broad knowledge of kitchen and restaurant terminology • Comprehensive QuickBooks knowledge • Comprehensive POS experience • Good computer literacy • Must have valid drivers license • Engaging and outgoing personality who enjoys working with the public • Salary $1,400-$1,500 per month dependent on experience Please bring all applications with two (2) letters of recommendation citing relevant experience in the same industry to:
Flowers by Environmental Arts locate at U102 Venture House, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or email to: admin@environmentalarts.tc Successful applicants will be notified by phone for interview
9417
TENDER NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL TO LEASE OFFICE SPACE TO THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BOARD The National Health Insurance Board is inviting suitable Owners with commercial office space for rent to submit a proposal for the re-location of the NHIB office. The office has reached its maximum capacity for administrative functions which competes with the storage space needed. The best and seemingly most practical option is to relocate the office.
Domestic Worker Interested persons should contact
649-339-6100
9373
1 Interested Jeweler Carpenter persons should.
contact 649-242-2604
URIAL MUSGROVE Is looking for a
store clerk To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
contact: 241-4049
9372
CLUB SODAX Is looking for a
cook
To work 5 days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 941-4540
The RFP must provide dates, locations, business license and other information specific to this solicitation. You must provide information about your company, and any subcontractors you wish to utilize, requested in these various attachments, including certain financial and conflict of interest disclosures. Your response to this solicitation is voluntary, but without requested information, we will not be able to consider your proposal.
To work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour. contact: 232-4336
9370
CLEANER REQUIRED • Five days per week • Minimum wage • Must have transportation • Must speak English Please send resumes by email to tlwake@zoho.com by Nov 15th. Job to commence December 2013
MARTINEZ AUTO REPAIR Is currently looking to hire 2
The needs of the NHIB Office: • A facility with available utilities and a target size of 5,000 square feet, with a minimum of 3,000 square feet dedicated to administrative functions and Customer Service. • A facility that will allow for future expansion if needed. • A location more centrally located to serve the needs of the community. • A well secured building to better control access to the office. The solicitation package should consist of the following information: • Total square feet available. • Floor plan • Cost per square feet • Cost of retrofitting the space to the NHIB specifications.
9368
BARISTA (CATERING MANAGER)
9367
Certified Mechanics • Must have your own tools, valid drivers license • Must have 5-8 years experience Salary commensurate with experience.
Contact: 241-3297
9370
EXPERIENCED SENIOR LITIGATION PARALEGAL WANTED
All proposals must be hand delivered in a sealed envelope addressed to the Chief Executive, National Health Insurance Board, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Experienced Senior Litigation Paralegal required to act as Paralegal/Professional Support Executive to a commercial litigation team. At least 5 years prior experience working in a commercial litigation environment is required. Candidates must also have a Law Degree or Graduate Diploma in Law as well as having passed the Legal Professional Course or equivalent. A Master’s Degree in law will be a distinct advantage. Must demonstrate experience and knowledge of having dealt independently with all matters relating to contentious practice, litigation, employment law dispute resolution and alternative dispute resolution. Must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Must have vehicle and clean driving record. The applicant must be able to work overtime when required due to case urgency. References will be required.
NOTICE TO TENDERES:
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN A SEALED PLAIN ENVELOPE WITH THE TENDER ENVELOPE LABEL CLEARLY VISIBLE ON THE FRONT. THE ENVELOPE SHOULD NOT INDICATE THE SENDER’S NAME.
TENDER TITLE:
PROPOSAL TO LEASE OFFICE SPACE TO THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BOARD.
Remuneration based on experience – commencing $40k per annum. Belongers only need apply.
Tender Closing:
Tenders will be received up to 10:00am, November 29, 2013 and will be opened on December 2, 2013. 9394
Apply to the Managing Partner P O Box 965, Graceway House Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Fax (649) 339-4130
9383
November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PHILIP VIXAMAR Is looking for a
CLASSIFIEDS 37 TDMG Concordia NATASHA’S We are seeking suitable CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients: Joseph Skippings
Labourer
Domestic Worker Skill Requirements:
;;Must be consistently punctual for work. ;;Maintain a clean workstation throughout shift. ;;Must maintain a clean, well-kept appearance upon arrival and through out shifts. ;;Must be able to multi task in a fast pace, highpressure environment. ;;Be able to stand on ones feet for 8 hours and be comfortable lifting 25 pounds or more without physical restrictions. ;;Be available to work holidays and weekends with a flexible schedule ;;Assist management when vendors receive orders ;;Must be able to communicate in English ;;Must be polite and cordial to co-workers and
guests at all times ;; Participate in the overall success of the kitchen by completing tasks assigned by the Executive Chef or General Manager ;; Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: ;; Work with staff members to assure that the restaurant is clean and well maintained throughout the duration of their shift. Support dish area and kitchen by doing the following tasks: Washing dishes, Basic food preparation such as portioning items or peeling vegetables Participate in daily cleaning duties as per scheduled by the Chef or other Management personnel to maintain a clean, safe environment for all employees to work in.
Labourer To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 341-1373
9366
– $5.00 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days per week
Contact: 242-9087
Monte Restaurant
Kitchen Helper – $5.00 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days per week.
Contact: 232-1068
FLOWER GIRL
Belongers Given Preference, Apply in Person with CV to be considered
Is looking for a Part-time
Junior Accountant Job Responsibilities:
• Assist management staff on accounting engagements; • Data entry, reconciliations, and preparation of draft reports; and • Interacting with associates and clients in a professional and friendly manner.
Qualifications Required:
• Bachelors degree in accounting; • Interest in obtaining a professional accounting designation; and • A positive attitude. This position is immediately available. Salary for this position will be based on qualifications and experience. All applicants will be reviewed; however only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
delivery driver With own transportation who is interested in making extra cash.
Contact: 231-3788
applicants to fill the following openings:
V.P Project Designer Painter Must have at least 5years experience Belongers only need apply. Must be willing to work extended hours. Salary is negotiable. Fax: (649) 941 8388 Application Deadline November 21st,2013.
9357
M & L RETAIL STORE SOUTH CAICOS is looking for a
store clerk To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
contact: 242-7796 Belongers need only apply 9384
Applicants should apply in writing by November 19th 2013 to: WB Financial Management Ltd. PO Box 137, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Email: info@wbfinancial.tc Fax: 649-941-7498
9396
DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys
Sunny Reef Ltd Experience Restaurant Industry. Ability to read, speak and write English must be able to remember & recite. Promote a Pleasant personality, ability to communicate with others. Must be a team player
Waiter
-:3-5 years’ experience.
Cook
5-7 years. Must be a good team player, work at fast pace. Must know how to prepare French & Indonesian Cuisine.
Labourer
3-5 years in busy kitchen.
Head Chef
This candidate should have 4-6 years in the French culinary arts. Must be able to manage and organize a busy kitchen, Must be a team player. Must know how to prepare French and international cuisine.
Administrative Assistance
• This candidate should be mature and have seven years’ experience in the field of administration and hotel. Must have a sound mind, work well under pressure and be able body. Multi-tasking is a must. • Training & knowledge in Microsoft, bookkeeping, accounting and quick books & Peachtree • Verification of weekly and sheets & monthly timesheets & contract payments • Client billing, employee hours, payroll. Stock keeping & inventory and supplies • Operate phone facsimile phone system. Type memos, letters, etc
Date: Friday 8 and Friday15th November, 2013
PUBLIC NOTICE DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys are pleased to announce the re-opening of our Leeward Highway Office for ongoing legal services to the public. We are located in our own building across the street from the Supreme Court complex, next door to the offices of TC Weekly News and between that and the St. Monica's Anglican Church. We specialize in: • Civil Litigation (Particular competencies: Judicial Review and other claims against TCI Government/Departments, Mareva and other Injunctions, Land, Trust & Bank disputes) • Property Matters, Planning Department & Development Issues • Business Law • Immigration • Labour Disputes Telephone: (649) 941-4444 Telefax: (649) 941-4235 Cellphone: (649) 245-1314 email: berynd@yahoo.com DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys
PO Box 52, Cheshire House East 1315A Leeward Highway, Providenciales
38 CLASSIFIEDS
November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
GENESISAUTO MOBILE REPAIR Is looking to hire a
JOB ADVERTISEMENT Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.
Essential duties include but not limited to: Manages the resort’s maintenance and engineering operations including guest rooms, building structures, front and back of house facilities, all mechanical, electrical, water treatment and HVAC systems, refrigeration and any related equipment in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. Works closely with leadership to develop and execute an operating strategy that aligns with business strategy. Maximize the prevention of crime. Responsible for 24 hour monitoring of property via patrol and CCTV and to document and record information as historic reference. Manages controllable expenses through the implementation of cost saving and energy conservation programs (e.g., wages, heat, light and power, water consumption, tools and equipment, grounds keeping supplies, uniforms, vendors, service agreements, inventory, etc.). Monitors and maintains fire, health and safety systems and collaborates with relevant fire, emergency and governmental agencies to ensure complete understanding of regulations, procedures, alarms, and equipment. Maintain legible and accurate records of all control centre documents to include General Security Log, Key Control, Lost and Found and Visitor Passes. Develops engineering and security budget and ensures departmental performance meets/exceeds budgetary goals. Regularly reviews financial reports/ statements/forecasts to evaluate financial performance against budget. Controls engineering and security expenditures and ensures all projects are completed timely and within budget. Serves as project manager on resort projects, overseeing all aspects from design and costing to construction. Controls and administers all engineering/service contracts throughout the resort, always negotiating in the best interest of the resort. Collaborates with vendors/contractors and monitors work product to ensure quality standards are consistent with the requirements of a luxury resort. Develops, implements and manages emergency and disaster management programs. Review scheduled functions, group, or VIP arrivals and special events and to discuss special instructions with relevant departments. Be flexible with work hours, regardless of time, during day, or night, in order to personally facilitate security arrangements of cases that require special treatment and handling. Assists with developing Strata budget and managing Strata Costs, Manages accurate and timely bill back process for Condo units. Liaise with local authorities in order to identify activities that may affect the operation of the hotel such as seasonal events, current community crime trends, political activism and other, and to share any such concerns with superiors. Provide access, when required, to high-risk areas, exercising vigilance for the protection
Contact: 241-4156
of assets and to secure the area when access is no longer required. Supervise the maintenance of the security log entries and to track all security officer patrol reports and subsequent security activities. Develops, implements and manages emergency and disaster management programs. Manages pool chemical balance and maintenance of all pool equipment. Maintains FFE. Manages and maintains security cameras and lighting systems. Develops, executes and monitors preventative maintenance and asset protection programs. Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures. Exercises general supervision over the engineering and security team and communicates a clear and concise vision regarding department goals to produce desired results. Liaises with department heads to understand challenges and ensure maintenance needs are addressed. Proactively addresses problems and quickly identifies and implements solutions. Keeps owners and executives informed, and provides timely response to queries from the same. Hires, mentors and trains staff; establishes performance guidelines; and evaluates staff performance in accordance with resort policies. Complies with departmental standard operating procedures, Resort policies and TCIG health and safety regulations
LA VISTA AZUL CONDOMINIUM L V A MANAGEMENT LTD.
HANDYMAN
• Must have at least 3 years experience in working in a resort • Must be able to communicate in English • Must be ready to work 6 days per week and on request • Must have knowledge of plumbing, electrical installation, air conditioning • Duties include: • Repairs to apartments and common grounds Salary $2,000.00 per month Resumes and references should be delivered to:
LA VISTA AZUL CONDOMINIUM 107 TURTLE COVE DR., PROVIDENCIALES
Skills • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field with a minimum of 10 years’ as Director of Engineering with experience in a Luxury Resort environment, or equivalent combination of experience and education. • Minimum 5 years experience with Luxury Hotel Security Systems and Operating Procedures. • Experience with Condo Hotel and Strata maintenance accounting/billing procedures. • Experience with Hotel Renovations. • Fire Safety Director Certification by US standards. • Experience with Asset/Risk Management. • Experience with Hurricane Preparedness and Disaster Management. • Strong leadership skills with the ability to recruit, train, develop skills, mentor and motivate a team • Thorough knowledge of resort engineering and security procedures, operations and equipment and preventative maintenance programs. • Thorough knowledge of Building Codes, Fire Safety Systems, Irrigation Sprinkler Systems, CCTV and Security Cameras, Plumbing, Electrical, Pool Maintenance, Pool Pumps, Pool heaters, Electrical Systems, Generators, Energy Management Systems, Mechanical and HVAC, Commercial Stereo and Speaker Systems, Waste Treatment System, Lift Stations, Kitchen and Laundry Equipment & Maintenance, Grease Trap Maintenance, Painting, Dry Wall and Carpentry disciplines. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to speak, read and write fluently in the English language • Computer proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook • Proficiency in MS Office, Opera PMS. • Deadline oriented with the ability to multi-task and establishes priorities.
Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com
Salary $10.00 per hour. Must have your own diagnostic system.
L.P.S.
9404
Director of Engineering & Security Accountable for managing the engineering and security operations for a five-star resort. The successful candidate will be responsible for short and long-range planning, coordinating all capital, expansion, and special projects, and management of the engineering and security department’s financial budget.
Mechanic
LUC SAINT JEAN Is looking for a
Is looking to hire a
baker To work 6 days per week from 7am-2pm.
contact: 242-7748
domestic
worker
To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour
contact: 241-7995 9431
CORAL GARDENS
waiter Is looking for a
To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.
9414
contact: 432-1480
9405
Y.A.3.B CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients
CLASSIFIEDS 39
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS THE MASTER’S ACADEMY Is looking for a
BARRINGTON WILLIAMS Is looking for a
B’s Beauty Box Hair & Spa
Massage Therapist
Labourers Applicant must be prepared for heavy work, breaking cement bags, loading trucks and stevedoring of cement and gravel, will be required to assist mechanics as needed, Applicant must prepare to work long hours, evenings and weekends as required. Please apply with references, clean police and driving record to CBMS Ltd. Or call 941-3400.
– $6.00 per hour
Nail Technician – $6.00 per hour
La Familia Restaurant
Housekeeper – $6.00
Steward – $5.50.
Contact: 344-4540
cleaner
domestic worker
contact: 9413823 or 241-2975 9371
Contact: 242-3365
To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
Associate Attorney Local firm seeks an associate attorney with at least 5 years pqe with extensive experience in conveyancing, commercial, residential development work, also corporate and commercial law. Experience in new condominium sales, re-sales, residential and commercial property an advantage. Applicant must be an excellent communicator, willing to work long hours including weekends and holidays. Subject to experience, salary commencing at US$55K
Please submit applications to The Manager, P.O. Box 97, Caribbean Place, Providenciales, Fax 649 946 4564, with a copy to Department of Labour, Providenciales 9398
To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
9397
DA CONCH SHACK
1 Kitchen Helpers • Minimum 5 years experience • Working in a kitchen as a Line cook in a VERY high volume Restaurant. • Must have knowledge of taking inventory daily. • Pay rate is $5/hr
Please submit Resumes at the restaurant on Bay Rd. Blue Hills, Providenciales TCI. Phone: (649)-946-8877 9364
DAVIS CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a
painter To work 5 days per week salary $10.00 per hour.
contact: 231-1550
Newly renovated office space, above The Flower Girl
1,000 sq ft. facing Leeward Highway and overlooking Flamingo Lake. Ideal for a lawyer's office, spa, real estate business, doctor's or dental offices, etc.
Reasonable rent Contact 9464894, 9464664 or email tcnews@tciway.tc
9375
November 9 - 15, 2013
IVIL SKIPPINGS Is looking for a
domestic
worker To work 5 days
per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 341-8919 LYNEAL GARDINER Is looking for a
labourer
To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 343-3398
Job Opportunity Senior Litigation Solicitor A senior litigation solicitor is required for a busy firm based in Providenciales. The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor with at least ten years pqe in appropriate litigation disciplines - commercial, corporate, construction, insolvency, negligence, property, marine and related matters. Excellent communication skills and ability to manage files and work independently is essential, together with the requisite experience in preparation of cases to instruct counsel and direct client relationships. Experience in mediation/A.D.R. will be considered an advantage as will experience as MLRO / MLCO. Please send application in writing to email: rik@gtclaw.com 9382
40 CLASSIFIEDS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
MANAGER MAJ’s Enterprises is seeking a qualified individual to fill the post of “Boutique Manager”. This position is based at a resort and responsible for overall management of the boutique operations:
• Supervision and management of staff, including scheduling, training, and coaching staff • Prepare daily and monthly sales reports for MAJ’s Directors
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Qualifications
• Supervision and Monitoring of overall floor operations including daily display designs and resort themes • Management of store inventories by monitoring weekly sales reports; selection and procurement of store merchandise • Marketing of store merchandise, including organization of weekly fashion shows, and implementing innovative weekly promotions • Monitoring overall store quality, including stock levels, merchandising, sales growth
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE This position requires a high level of relevant experience either within a five star hotel or private villa. A self motivated, highly service orientated individual who uses own initiative. The candidate must have a good command of English and excellent communication skills and be prepared to work long hours, weekends and holidays. This is a live in position and candidate is expected to be hardworking, trustworthy and a team player.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
9411
ACA/ACCA/CA An opportunity exists for two fully qualified accountants who possess a minimum of five years professional experience gained within a “Big Four” public accounting firm. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. If you wish to be considered for these opportunities please apply in confidence by sending details of your experience and qualifications to either: The Labour Commissioner, KPMG Ltd. Or Labour Office P.O. Box 357 Butterfield Square 18 The Village at Grace Bay Providenciales Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Turks & Caicos Islands
Or fax your particulars to 946-4619
9402
LIVE IN SERVER REQUIRED FOR PRIVATE VILLA
• General maintenance and cleanliness of the villa so attention to detail is essential • Housekeeping responsibilities with an awareness of cost control and energy saving • Assist private chef with shopping and meal preparation when necessary so a background knowledge of culinary skills is helpful • Understanding of the needs and requirements of demanding guests is of paramount importance • This position requires some manual work such as assistance with guest’s luggage, some landscaping, pool maintenance etc. • Clean drivers license is essential as this position requires running errands for guests • This position reports directly to the Villa Manager
REMUNERATION • Salary $1,000.00-$1,300.00 a month • Accommodation and food allowance provided
Applications must also apply in writing with resumes to: info@coralhouse.tc or Villa Manager P.O. Box 143 Providenciales
9408
LIVE-IN VILLA COOK REQUIRED FOR PRIVATE VILLA The successful candidate must possess the following:
• The successful candidate must possess the following and be willing to work closely with the villa cook • Preferable at least 5 years experience in a luxury hotel or restaurant or working in a private residence • He/she must possess an understanding of a range of international cuisines, (Asian Fusion, French, Italian) as well as guests individual dietary preferences that include vegetarian, vegan and kosher, organic diets etc. • Ability and responsibility to take on menu planning and food preparation for house parties, BBQ, business meetings • Possess and understanding of the needs and requirements of demanding guests is of paramount importance • Maintain the cleanliness and proper sanitation of the kitchen at all times including deep cleansing of appliances, pots and pans, kitchen utensils etc. • Be willing to work flexible hours, weekends, holidays etc. • Be able to work within a team, be reliable and trustworthy • Be extremely well presented and have a good command of English • Must be prepared to carry out other duties when guests are not in house • Salary dependent on experience
• Preferably at least 5 years experience in a luxury hotel or restaurant or as a personal cook in a private residence • He/she must possess the ability to prepare a range of international cuisines, (Asian Fusion, French, Italian), as well as cater to guests individual dietary preferences that include vegetarian, vegan and kosher, organic diets etc. • Full ability and responsibility to take on menu planning and food preparation for house parties BBQ, business meetings • Maintain the cleanliness and proper sanitation of the kitchen at all times including deep cleaning of appliances, pots and pans, kitchen utensils etc. • Exercise good cost control presenting monthly monitoring and replenishment of stocks, and supplies • Computer literacy would be an advantage but not essential with the ability to record and present invoices • Be willing to work flexible hours, weekends, holidays etc. • Be able to work within a team, be reliable and trustworthy • Be extremely well presented and have a good command of English • Must be prepared to carry out other duties when guests are not in house Salary dependent on experience NOTE THIS IS A LIVE IN POSITION
NOTE THIS IS A LIVE IN POSITION Suitable qualified candidates must apply in writing with resume to: info@coralhouse.tc or The Villa Manager, P.O. Box 143, Providenciales
LIVE IN VILLA BUTLER Required for luxurious rental villa in Providenciales
• Experience in Marketing, Tourism or Small Businesses • At least five years (5) managerial experience in retail and sales • Must be skilled in ordering methods and inventory management • Must be proficient in computer systems including accounting and data management soft ware • Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends and holidays • Must be able to speak and understand French
Interested persons should forwarded a letter of application and resume to clubmedboutiquetci@outlook.com, no later than November 1st, 2013
November 9 - 15, 2013
Suitable qualified candidates must apply in writing with resume to: info@coralhouse.tc or The Villa Manager, P.O. Box 143, Providenciales 9407
9406
November 9 - 15, 2013
CLASSIFIEDS 41
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
MAC MOTORS
VACANCY
Salary /Wage: Negotiable Job Category: Automotive/ Vehicle Repair Career Level: Experience (Non-Manager) Location: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI Status: Full-time employer relevant work experience 15+ years
personal ethics • Qualified professional technician (ASE Certified, Master, L1 and up) • Automotive Service knowledge • Work experience in high volume shops • Willing to be trained and learn new technical concepts and automotive service development We are a hardworking management team that is looking for equally hardworking individuals interested in joining a company that enjoys and rewards success.
Contact: 941-3847
Is looking for a
CARIBBEAN CAFÉ/ DOLPHINS SPORTS BAR & GRILL
Is looking to fill the following positions:
domestic worker
Education Level: Qualified petrol and diesel technician Requirements: • Diagnose and repair cars, light trucks, heavy trucks, heavy earth moving equipment • Diagnose and repair hydraulic drive systems • Working knowledge of diagnostic tools such as GTR, Dealer Connect, IDS, WDS, Starscan, DRB3, NGS and Tech 2 • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English • Energetic, resourceful and punctual, with strong business and
DIADRA MCKENZIE
To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 345-5507
Mixologist Cocktail Waitress Domestic Worker Salary negotiable Contact: 332-6364
9400
9387
THE ATRIUM RESORT
Leeward, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Telephone: 1-649-333-0101 Toll Free: 1-888-592-7885
ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN Job Purpose:
To maintain all aspects of electrical and electronics vital to operations of Atrium Resort
Duties:
• Ability to understand and read blueprints, instruction manuals and follow electrical diagrams • To rough in and install 3 phase high voltage and low voltage lines including installation of electrical panels, plugs, switches, lights, fans and any electrical devices • Knowledge of fire alarm systems such as Secutron or similar, ability to program and maintain fire alarm systems. (NFPA 72 CERTIFICATE IS ESSENTIAL) • Experience in maintenance of diesel generator, transfer switch, fire pump and related emergency circuits • Experience in maintenance and repair of elevators • Experience and ability to install and maintain CCTV Systems including DVR and IP cameras • Experience to install and maintain electronic safe, locks, and card access system • Experience and knowledge in automatization and controls for pump and motors • Experience in installing and repairing appliances such as fridge, stove, dish washer, microwave, washer/dryer, TV and DVD • Experience in setup and maintenance of local area network including Cisco POE smart switches, Linksys routers, POE devices and RJ-45 connectors • Experience and ability to install and maintain voice over IP equipment • Ability to understand functionality principals of electronic meters and collect readings from electrical and water meters • Experience in installation and maintenance of satellite TV equipment • Provides information by collecting, analyzing and summarizing data and trends in new technologies • Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities: reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, participating in professional organizations • Accomplishes information systems and organization mission by completing related results as needed
FOR SALE Meridian Mortgage Corporation Ltd as chargee, pursuant to the Registered Land Ordinance, hereby gives notice that it will cause to be sold the property listed below by private treaty.
LOCATION
The Title No. 60807/54, The Bight & Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales comprising 0.50 acres property (21,780 sq. ft.). The land is found on the north side of the Leeward Highway some 600 yards east of the Beacher’s Roundabout.
DESCRIPTION
• A two-storey commercial/apartment building with a single storey block attached to the rear has been constructed upon the most elevated southern portion of the site fronting the Leeward Highway. • The land is rectangular and located on top of the ridge with approximately 100 linear feet of frontage onto the Leeward Highway, zoned as C1– Commercial. • The building comprises 3# commercial retail units on the first floor and 3# two bedroom apartments on the second floor. In addition, there is a block of 3# apartments in the single storey rear building. Six comforting reasons you’ll be glad you selected this property: 1. Good commercial space at reasonable cost. 2. 50% financing. 3. Strategically located, excellent view and natural ventilation. 4. Good property value with long term income prospect. 5. Good living accommodation and ease of conversion and improvements. 6. The current monthly income is approximately $5,800.00
Must be Belonger possess adequate experience and knowledge and willing to perform any other duties related to maintenance and efficient operation of the resort. The candidate must present a clean police record, a valid drivers license and be available to attend to any emergency calls 24/7.
For additional information: Kindly contact Royalton L. S. Harvey at (649) 941-3082, Cellular: (649)243-4165
Salary depends qualifications and experience to be discussed during the interview
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to: TheAtriumResort@hotmail.com 9377
Meridian Trust Company Ltd. Level 2, Le Vele Plaza, P.O. Box 599, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. B.W.I. 9365
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
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November 9 - 15, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Sports Interational
Rafael Nadal to end remarkable 2013 as No. 1 RAFAEL Nadal sealed a remarkable comeback in 2013 by beating Stanislas Wawrinka at the ATP World Tour Finals on Wednesday to ensure he will finish the year as world No. 1. The Spaniard also qualified for the semifinals of the only major tennis tournament he has never won, with the 27-year-old boasting a career grand slam in addition to an Olympic gold medal. Since returning to the sport in February after seven months out with a knee injury, the 13time grand slam champion has won 10 titles in a year which he has described as one of his best. Beating Wawrinka in London confirmed that he finishes on top of the world for the third time in his career, with Novak Djokovic now forced to settle for second
place. The Serbian had held the honor the past two years, while Nadal is the first player to win it back twice. “A lot of emotions today,” Nadal said following his 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (8-6) over the Swiss eighth seed. “It’s the perfect scenario to be finally the yearend No. 1 in this fantastic stadium, in front of this unbelievable crowd, so many thanks for making me feel like this. “This has been an unbelievable comeback year.” It certainly has. When he returned to action in Chile in February, Nadal moved so gingerly at times that he felt it better to leave some points as he attempted to protect his troublesome knee. A first title since the 2012 French Open followed later that month in Brazil, and these were soon followed by further
Since returning to the sport in February after seven months out with a knee injury, the 13-time grand slam champion Nadal has won 10 titles in a year which he has described as one of his best.
triumphs in Mexico and Indian Wells. Comprehensive confirmation of the fact that “the King of Clay” had fully recovered his abilities came at the French Open when he beat Djokovic in a compelling semifinal before defeating
Ananda Ltd has the following
vacancies 4 Store/Warehouse Supervisors
• Responsible for specific day to day activities • Ensure all areas of the shop floor are adequately staffed and customers receive the highest standard of service • Maintaining a presence on the shop floor to assist staff in problem solving and motivating them for improved customer service • Manage accounting and sales aspects of the firm - performing weekly auditing of sales and expenses • Manage inventory along different locations and take control of transfers
1 Purchasing Manager
• Oversee and perform overall purchases - domestic and international. • Follow up with clients, cuppliers, customs, freight forwarders on orders and quality control • Inventory control across stores and warehouse. Analyzing sales records, stock levels and supply and demand • Maintaining and keeping POS update as well as teach other staff
Additional skills required for the above:
• At least 7 years experience in the retail industry- good management and leadership skills • Bilingual in English and Spanish, any other language will be an asset to interact with customers • Know how to operate Business Management System (BMS) • Sharp analytical skills and be willing to work at any point of any day to high quoted text responsibilities • Salary $1500.00 to $2500.00 as per qualifications
6 Sales Assistants
• Friendly and an outgoing person able to deal with customers on a one-to-one basis • Willing to cooperate and work as a joint team with other staff members • Computer savvy - opearate POS systems and willing to learn new ideas • Willing to work extended hours, weekends and holidays • Knowledge of speaking and writing in different languages always an asset • 3-5 years experience in retail trade • Salary $5.00 per hour
• Must have 3-5 years experience • Salary $5.00 per hour
6 Labourers
CONTACT: Ananda Ltd, P.O Box 1151, Providenciales Tel: 339-4663 e-mail: jobs@anandaltd.com
compatriot David Ferrer to claim a record eighth title at Roland Garros. Humiliation followed at Wimbledon as the former champion was beaten by Belgium’s 135th-ranked Steve Darcis, the first time Nadal had exited a grand slam in the first round. Yet he recovered to clinch the U.S. Open in September, beating Djokovic in the final, and before a packed crowd at London’s O2 Arena on Wednesday, Nadal said his extraordinary return would have been impossible without his family. “The team is everything for me,” he explained. “Without them, I would never have the chance to be back where I am today -being the No. 1 at the end of the season when there are such unbelievable competitors in front of me.
Arsenal is touted as young, healthy and as good technicians.
Arsenal can win Champions League - Jurgen Klopp BORUSSIA Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp believes Arsenal can win the Champions League - if they avoid fellow German side Bayern Munich in the draw. Aaron Ramsey was on target as Arsenal beat Dortmund 1-0 on Wednesday to stay top of Group F with two games left. The hosts had come into the match looking for an eighth successive home Champions League win having never lost to an English side. “They could win it - as long as they don’t play Bayern Munich,” Klopp said. “They are young, healthy and good technicians. They won a clever game tonight.” Ramsey’s strike was his 11th for Arsenal in 17 games this season. His form has been one of the factors in Arsene Wenger’s
side topping the Premier League after 10 games. The Gunners are five points clear of second-placed Chelsea and have scored 22 top-flight goals this season. Holders Bayern clinched their place in the knockout stages by beating Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday. Last year’s runners-up Dortmund may need to win their remaining two games to progress to the last 16. They trail both Arsenal and Italian side Napoli - their opponents in their next group game on 27 November - by three points. Klopp, who lost the Champions League final and his side’s domestic title to Bayern Munich last season, is braced for a tense finish to the group, but confident Dortmund will survive through to the knock-out stages.
James reaches historic milestone LEBRON James recorded 35 points in Miami Heat’s 104-95 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night to become the fifth player in NBA history to record 500 consecutive games of double-digits in points. The four-time MVP, James joins an elite class of Michael Jordan, Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Moses Malone as the only players to accomplish such a feat. “It’s very humbling,” said James after the game. “I just go out and play every night and when I see a stat of that, I’m like: ‘wow, ‘ because I know the history, know the guys who paved the way for myself and my teammates... it’s an amazing feeling.” James’ impressive feat dates back to Jan. 5, 2007 against the Milwaukee Bucks when he failed to record double-digits with 8 points.
Lebron James joins an elite class of Michael Jordan, Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Moses Malone as the only players to accomplish such a feat.
Teammate Dwayne Wade is not surprised by the accomplishment. “He’s a consistent player,” said Wade. “In practice, during shoot-around and game-day. He’s a consistent player; period.” Entering his NBA
eleventh season, James has demonstrated consistency throughout. In 770 regular season games played, the 28-year-old has recorded double digits in all but eight games. Six of the eight games occurred in James’ rookie year, the 2004-05 season.
November 9 - 15, 2013
Sports Interational
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Bayern and Man City book passages to Champions League knockout stage the last 16, while City were making it for the first time after two previous attempts. Having beaten Norwich 7-0 in an English Premier League match at the City of Manchester Stadium Saturday, Manuel Pellegrini’s team again ran riot against their Russian opponents. Sergio Aguero provided the initial impetus with an early penalty and then a delightful second before setting up Alvaro Negredo for the third. Negredo went on to complete his hat-trick in the second half, but defensive frailties saw Seydou Doumbia twice pull back goals for CSKA, the second from the penalty spot. CSKA, who were given a partial stadium ban by UEFA for racist chanting aimed at City midfielder Yaya Toure in the reverse fixture in Moscow, which the visitors won 2-1, have only a Europa League place to play for now. The thumping victory was particularly sweet for Toure.
“I think today is a special day for the club to go through to the second round for the first time,” he told Sky Sports. City’s neighbors Manchester United stayed top of Group A after a goalless draw at Real Sociedad, but had Marouaune Fellaini sent off in the second half.
Bayern Munich’s players celebrate Mario Mandzukic’s goal against Viktoria Plzen to break the deadlock in the Czech Republic.
CAICOS CAFÉ LTD.
Is looking for the following persons: SOMMELIER/ WINE SPECIALIST
Caicos Café located on Grace Bay is seeking an individual with a sommelier certification who specializes in all aspect of wine services and food pairing, coordinates all service beverage of the restaurant and work with the management team and chef regarding food and beverage cost. Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays 6 days per week have at least 8 years experience, able to speak and write English, physically fit, dependable and hardworking
PASTRY AND BAKERY CHEF
MAITRE D HOTEL
CHEF DE PARTIE
Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays, 6 days per week, must have at least 10 years experience, physically fit, dependable and hardworking, must be able to train wait staff, able to organize restaurant staff and service, must be able to prepare work schedules, coordinate all service of the restaurant and work with head chef for menu planning and a good knowledge of wine and food pairing
Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays, 6 days per week, able to clean the kitchen after service, must have at least 8 years experience, good knowledge of bread and bakery goods, good knowledge of plated dessert, birthday cake, homemade ice cream and sorbet, must be able to speak English, physically fit, dependable and hardworking Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays, 6 days per week , clean the kitchen after service, have at least 8 years experience, good knowledge of sautéed seafood, shellfish, meat and poultry, grilling, rotisserie, butchery, sauces, broth and dressing, must be able to speak English, physically fit, dependable and hardworking Salaries are paid based on experience and quality of work
All resumes CV’s letter of reference along with a clean police record must be delivered at CAICOS CAFÉ GRACE BAY
9403
HOLDERS Bayern Munich equaled the record for successive Champions League wins held by their manager Pep Guardiola’s former side Barcelona as they reached the knockout stages Tuesday. Bayern eased past Czech champions Viktoria Pilsen 1-0 for a ninth straight victory and a perfect record in Group D with 12 points from four games. They were joined in the last 16 by Manchester City, who thrashed CSKA Moscow 5-2 to remain in second place in the same group with nine points. Bayern had won the home match against Pilsen 5-0, but made harder work of it on the road and had to wait until Mario Mandzukic’s 62nd minute headed winner. He connected with a Philipp Lahm cross, only six minutes after coming on as substitute, helping the Bundesliga giants to maintain their remarkable winning streak in Europe’s premier club competition. It was the sixth successive time Bayern have made it to
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November 9 - 15, 2013
Provo Hockey League:
Panthers win again
Paula Garland celebrates a goal in the introduction to speed soccer recently at the TCIFA Football Academy ground.
Speed Soccer League starts Sunday THE Women’s Football League will kick off the inaugural Speed Soccer League this Sunday at the TCIFA Football Academy ground. CIBC Cats, Earthbenders AFC, Revolution FC, The Blow Pops, U-12 Trailblazers FC, Trailblazers FC and Palmiss will compete for the title.
Speed soccer is a five-a-side game where each team is allowed a maximum of ten players. Games consist of two halves of ten minutes each, with a two-minute interval at half-time. Candace Hanchell, President of the WFL, explained that speed soccer has been introduced to encourage all females regardless
of their age, fitness level or football experience to become involved in what is considered the greatest sport. The Speed Soccer League has seen the return of several past players and also many new faces. The league is expected to run from November 10th to December 8th in Providenciales.
EXPERIENCED junior player Gabriel Diotte-Joly scored six goals and made two assists to keep defending champions the Panthers, unbeaten in the second week of the 2013-2014 Provo Hockey League. The Panthers, who are sponsored by the Grace Bay Car Rental and Sales, defeated the Twa Marcelin Wolf Pirates 9-4 with Darius Coakley scoring the other three goals and making an assist. For the Pirates Dockarick Barrett fired in a triple. The Scotiabank Sharks, who drew with the Pirates in week one, also remain unbeaten in the Midget Division after they edged out the BCQS Flames 5-4. Valentine Antolinez scored three times for the winners while for the Flames Gregory Lewis made an assist to go with his two goals. In the Bantam Division the J&W Construction Hurricanes got past last year’s champion the Coco Bistro Lightning 11-8. Orrin Campbell continued to dominate the offense with six successful strikes. He now leads the PHL with 13 goals in two games. In the game Joe Canham added four goals and Javid Shearer one goal
and three assists. The Lightning went on to defeat the Grace Bay Resorts Surge 7-3 with Carson Greatrex scoring three and Jamie Grey and Sebastian Turbyfield two each. In the Mini Division the Saunders and Company Owls lost their first game when they challenged the Digicel 4G Comets. Jaden Robinson and Michael Saunders (also one assist) combined with three goals each to carry the Comets to a 6-4 win, their first of the season. Aiden Pisley and Joshua Saunders scored two goals each while Nyah Woody made an assist for the Owls. The Gansevoort Gators carried their winning streak to two with a 10-7 win over the Sailrock Lobsters. Ronin Maclaren fired in six goals, which is amazing for a mini division player, while Jake Whent scored three and Oliver French (also an assist) one. For the Lobsters Khalid Fulford had four goals and an assists while Giovanni Astwood finished with three goals. The league was expected to continue this Saturday at the Graceway Sports Centre.
Josh for Sports
The history of national/international track and field in the TCI Part III SPRINTERS THE top male U-20 sprinter was Kelvin Williams (he now owns “La Mancha Restaurant” in Provo). Williams was a specialist in the 100/200M and naturally the 400M relay. Next to Kelvin was Foster Glinton who hailed from Salt Cay: He ran the same events as Williams. He eventually died in the Cayman Islands a few years later while representing the TCI in darts. A host of much younger sprinters made up the reminder of
By Joshua Gardiner
the body. One such person is Robert Simons (Beeds). Andre Taylor came to GT from South Caicos as a sprinter, but could not make the team. I taught him to throw the javelin. Dale Taylor was the youngest on the team, at 14 years old. He was an 800M runner competing in the U-17 division. The country’s best distance runner was Stanley Carter (Coote). Stanley was almost 19 years old and running the 1500-3000M. Actually he could outrun donkeys—that might be a gross exaggeration, but the fact remains that he could run for
hours at a time. FEMALES The top sprinters came from all the islands. There were the Bell sisters: Brenda and Bertha who were transferred from North Caicos to GT. Also there was Corina Capron who was also transferred from junior high school in NC. She was however from Providenciales. Another was Louanne Higgs from primary school in South Caicos. Grand Turk had its share of speedsters—such were Cindy Smith,
Edith Been (Skippings), Kate Quelch, Daphanie Books (Penn). Daphanie was also a 400M runner and was only 12 years old at the time. Beatrice Handfield from NC could also sprint. The two distance runners on the team were Beatrice Delancy and Ruth Adams, while the former was 18 years-old Ruth was only 10. She was the youngest athlete to run in CARIFTA. She ran U-17, 1500 as well as U-20 3000M. CONTINUE NEXT WEEK
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The four juniors in the squad: from left to right: Franco Mompremier, Andrew Seymour, Luis Turbyfield and Lincoln Outten.
The first ever TCIRFU national female team to leave our shores will compete in their first international contact tournament this weekend.
TCI ready for NACRA Sevens in Cayman Islands THE Turks and Caicos Islands male and female rugby teams have everything to gain when they battle
the rest of the Caribbean in the North American and Caribbean Rugby Sevens Championships this weekend
at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex, in Grand Cayman. After months of preparation the
two squads were selected a few days ago and according to news from the camps they are ready for action. The females’ journey is historic, since this will be their first international contact competition. Captain Claire McAvinchey who had told the Weekly News that she is expecting a much better playing day on Sunday, will have in her squad, speedster Barbara Anderson, Stephanie Fitzgerald, Jacinda Alfrena, Fiona Donaldson, Carrieann Hanley, Natasha Fernandez, Janine Taylor, Richardia Missick and Ashely Nelson. The TCIRFU’s president will travel as manager while Niall Neville will also make the journey as national coach. The team’s physiotherapist is
Fraser Dodd. In the male squad, four juniors have made the cut. Although three played the senior team home clash against Jamaica, this is their first outing with the senior squad. Franco Mompremier, Andrew Seymour, Luis Turbyfield and Lincoln Outten will join the senior players, Augustine Modeste, Jesse Owen, Simon Taylor, Gareth Butler, Alyx Williams, Paul McKenzie, Dale Hodgkins and Captain and Vice-captain Sean O’Neill and Joe Ryan respectable. O’Neil had said that the side would be competitive and that they will only get better by playing tougher competitions. He also lauded the junior players and pointed out that they were the future of the senior national team.
Premier inspires Jamaican based TCI students
World famous sprinter Delano Williams stands between TCI premier Rufus Ewing and the first lady of these islands. The TCI head visited Jamaica where a number of our students are based. According to the junior 200M world champion, Williams, the premier inspired all the students and promised to help them with their various problems.
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Why I am a Rotarian I am a Rotarian because it allows me to be a part of the community. In addition to having the simple pleasure of serving others, I enjoy getting to know and interacting with like-minded individuals who are dedicated to providing service at the local, national, and international levels. I also enjoy the friendship and the sense of camaraderie that working together on projects and socializing at the weekly meetings provides. “Service Above Self” is at Rotary’s center. Core values of honesty, fairness, building relationships and adding value are repeated at every meeting. Insights from compelling speakers and rubbing elbows with business leaders, fellow Rotarians, are an added bonus. I was surprised at the joy I get from seeing the expression on the face of a third grader as I hand her a brand new dictionary or the fun of reading a book to a class of elementary school children. This was simply fun. But what really moves the dial is belonging to something bigger than myself. Joining Rotary was the best decision I have made in my professional life.
LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos
.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road
QUICK SALE
CALL 232-3508 or 946-4664
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